Doctors in Schweinfurt in focus: Escalating violence against practice employees

Doctors in Schweinfurt in focus: Escalating violence against practice employees

In the Bavarian district of Schweinfurt, violence against medical staff in doctors' offices has become a worrying issue. The latest survey results from the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians from 2024 show that more than three quarters of practices in Germany are affected by verbal violence from patients. According to a report by Mainpost, 80 percent of doctors, psychotherapists and practice employees have experienced verbal attacks in the last year.

This alarming development is not limited to Schweinfurt. A look across national borders shows that violence against doctors in Germany has increased noticeably in recent years. In a survey by the German Hospital Institute, 73 percent of clinics stated that attacks had increased in the last five years. Nursing services and emergency rooms are particularly affected, where patients often present in critical conditions.

Causes of violence

What drives patients to go overboard? According to hospital reports, the main causes are: German Hospital Society the increasing loss of respect for medical staff and changes in the healthcare system that often lead to long waiting times. These problems had already caused unrest before the corona pandemic, but now the situation seems to be getting worse. Doctors often receive threatening letters or even face physical violence.

Stefan Windau, a general practitioner, reports a worrying increase in both verbal and physical attacks since 1997. Many practices, such as the Mainbogen practice in Sennfeld, are forced to put up measures such as "zero tolerance" signs to counteract the violence. The situation in radiology in Schweinfurt is also being observed critically; Here too, one has the feeling that respect for doctors is dwindling.

The urgent appeal for stricter punishments

The calls for consequences are getting louder. Andreas Gassen, head of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, is calling for faster and harsher punishment for acts of violence against medical staff. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach supports this demand and thus underlines the problem in society. Loud ZDF today In 2018, around one in four doctors reported being physically attacked or threatened.

The situation actually seems worrying; Numerous reports show that not only practice employees but also clinical staff are affected. Police have recorded an increase in brutality crimes in hospitals by around 20 percent in recent years, highlighting the urgency of a social debate about violence in healthcare.

Where is the journey going? The challenges in the health sector are great and the increasing violence highlights the need for greater understanding and respect for medical staff. A broad discussion and targeted measures are needed to stop the violence and to provide healthcare workers with a safe working environment again.