Overburdened Critical Situation at Charité Diagnosis Unit

The renowned Charité hospital in Berlin is facing a wave of controversy as it plans to reform the working hours of its medical personnel. The changes, effective from February, reduce the weekly working hours from 42 to 40 hours, but some staff members fear that this reduction is being offset by management pushing for individual agreements that can extend working hours up to 48 per week without overtime pay.

The Charité spokesperson assures that the reform will not result in a loss of quality in patient care. However, concerns persist, particularly among assistant doctors who demand more hiring of staff instead of extending working hours. Under the planned conditions, one doctor may be responsible for up to 70 patients at night, including those outside their specialty, which many perceive as risking their health and overburdening staff.

The Marburger Bund medical union has warned its members about noticeable pressure to sign the side agreement, which allows for individual weekly working time to be increased. Overtime pay is not paid for the additional working time for those who sign the agreement, and it can only be terminated with a notice period of twelve months.

Colleagues are reportedly experiencing pressure to sign the side agreement. A survey showed that 78% of the medical personnel participating categorically rejected the planned measure. The authors of an open letter warn of potential negative effects on the speed and quality of care, including wrong decisions, delays, and treatment errors.

The Charité management is compensating for the lost working time by relying on individual agreements with medical employees. Essential training contents, such as observing operations, may only be conveyed if the assistant doctors agree to the extended working hours.

The Charité spokesperson states that the reduction of working hours agreed upon in the tariffs poses a challenge for some areas, which is being addressed by hiring more doctors. The state should increase its funding for the Charité, as per the demand of the assistant doctors, to facilitate the necessary hiring.

The assistant doctors, however, are adamant that all reform aspects that worsen their working conditions or the quality of care should be withdrawn. They argue that the reform, as it stands, risks their health and overburdens the staff, rather than improving the situation. The Charité spokesperson suggests that a reduction in the working hours of doctors may lead to an improvement, but the medical staff remains sceptical.