The Nursing Federal Chamber Requests Aid from the German Military (Bundeswehr)
Germany's Federal Chamber of Nurses has escalated an urgent appeal for personnel support, seeking assistance from the German Armed Forces and disaster relief, to expedite COVID-19 rapid testing in nursing homes. The critical state of elderly and nursing homes in Germany has been described as 'dramatic' by Patricia Drube, a member of the Federal Chamber of Nurses' board, during an interview with "Tagesschau24."
The nursing sector is reportedly stretched to its limits, making it impossible for staff to conduct the necessary testing. Consequently, additional personnel is required to assist in this essential task. On a positive note, Health Minister Spahn mentioned 90,000 packages of FFP2 masks are being sent to 30,000 nursing homes currently. However, Drube was unable to confirm favorable feedback in this regard.
Recognizing the urgency, Drube also appealed to politics for immediate action. She suggested recruiting personnel from various medical professions nationwide to perform rapid tests on a short-term basis, even if they had other primary roles, at competitive remuneration.
While Germany is currently investing in defense spending and reinforcing military capabilities[2], there have been no overt indications of a direct appeal for military assistance relating to COVID-19 rapid testing in nursing homes. The government has, however, increased financial aid for the World Health Organization (WHO) to bolster global health monitoring, pandemic preparedness, and disease control[2]. These actions align more with international initiatives rather than domestic emergency measures for COVID-19 testing in elder care facilities.
For the latest and most accurate information, it is advisable to consult official German government or Bundeswehr communications regarding this matter.
The science of rapid COVID-19 testing in nursing homes requires immediate attention, as the nursing sector is currently overwhelmed and unable to conduct the necessary testing. In light of this crisis, Drube urges politics to recruit personnel from various medical professions for short-term aid in this essential health-and-wellness task, even if they have primary roles elsewhere.
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