Overloaded emergency stations during holidays - Tip from doctors - Overloaded emergency stations during holidays - Tip from doctors
Hospitals in Brandenburg are struggling with overcrowded emergency rooms during the holiday season. Staff report extreme pressure as patient numbers surge, particularly in autumn and winter. The rise in visits is driven by seasonal illnesses and limited access to other medical services.
Respiratory infections, flu, and colds typically spike in colder months, pushing more people toward emergency care. Psychosocial stress during the holidays also plays a role in the increased demand. Many patients arrive with minor complaints that could be treated by GPs or out-of-hours clinics.
The State Medical Association has urged the public to use emergency rooms only for serious conditions. These include severe pain, breathing difficulties, impaired consciousness, or major injuries. Non-urgent cases, they say, should first seek help from family doctors, on-call services, or walk-in centres. Hospital staff confirm that departments are often at or near full capacity. A significant number of visits involve non-life-threatening issues, adding to the strain on resources and personnel.
The current situation highlights the need for better distribution of medical care during peak seasons. Emergency rooms remain critical for life-threatening cases, but alternative services can ease the burden. Authorities continue to advise patients to choose the right level of care for their symptoms.
