Too few hospitals prepared for children

05.10.2009 12:34

On Children's Hospital Day, CSS Versicherung AG points out the need to catch up in health care for children

In Germany, there are too few clinics dedicated to treating children, reminds CSS Versicherung AG. North Rhine-Westphalia has the highest density of children's clinics with 6 clinics. There are only 22 independent clinics in Germany that specialize in pediatric care for a total of 11 million children - this is not enough.

Although around 580 hospitals have a children's department, these only cover certain clinical pictures. Child-friendly, comprehensive medical care could be offered primarily by children's clinics, which, among other things, are designed to accommodate an accompanying person. When treating children, the support of a parent plays a crucial role in their recovery.

In Germany there is not only a lack of specialized children's clinics, but also of trained staff. Only 2.9 percent of the clinic doctors are pediatric and adolescent physicians. Of the total 153,799 doctors and around 400,000 nursing staff employed in the hospitals, only 4,466 pediatricians and around 30,000 nursing staff specialize in child care.

The number of cases of illness in children is 1.1 million per year. In most cases, however, the treatment of these children takes place in an environment tailored to adults. Families from rural areas are also forced to make a long journey to the nearest children's hospital.