Put the referendum into effect! Human dignity before profits! More staff for hospitals!
The HAW AStA supports the petition of the alliance for more nursing staff (Hamburger Bündnis für mehr Personal im Krankenhaus). The referendum demands better working conditions in the healthcare sector. As a patient, as a relative or as a student in nursing and health: We are all united by the interest in decent care conditions. These decent conditions should be justified by the patients’ requirements and not limited by the profits of large hospital groups.
According to the labor union Verdi, the nursing staff shortage in German hospitals exceeds 162.000 people. In international comparison, Germany is one of the losers in nursing conditions. In average, just one person cares for 12 patients. Regular consequence: Lack of hygiene, poorly cared-for patients and burned-out personnel. The hospitals make huge profits at the expense of the already exploited nursing staff. Hospitals are factories and health has become a commodity. The entire health care system maximizes profit for the disadvantage of the patients, whether in the care of the elderly, ambulant care or in the supply of medicines. It's our turn to fight back.
In March, almost 30,000 people in Hamburg signed up as supporters for the referendum against care problems within three weeks. The new law should reform the dimensioning of personnel of hospitals. Health Minister Spahn's plans for low-level care are no solution. It’s all about a need-based care! Even the Hamburg Senate and government parties want to prevent a referendum, although they pretend to share the goals for more staff and better working conditions. The Senate argues, that the draft law is not financeable and shifts responsibility to the federal government. But how can this augmentation be justified against the background of billions of profits from hospital groups?
Meanwhile, alliances for more nursing staff and better working conditions are rising everywhere in Germany. Events and demos take place, the staff strikes to prove the seriousness of the situation. A nationwide movement of nursing staff puts pressure on those responsible. That's why we must stay tuned for the concessions to be implemented.
We therefore call on all students to demonstrate together with patients and caregivers on Saturday, September 22nd, for a change of direction in health care policy.
More information here