The "Kannerklinik" was struggling with capacity before the pandemic struck, with a maximum of just 35 beds - not enough to meet current demand.
Eight new beds are due to be added on 15 January, while more doctors are being recruited at present. The paediatric clinic needs 12 doctors, but is currently one short. Authorities are trying to recruit more nurses to care for additional patients once the new beds become available.
Dr Martine Goergen, the CHL's medical director, said the lack of beds is not a new issue, citing the growing population as one factor in the clinic's stretched capacity. This was evident in the maternity ward, where over 3,000 births take place each year. If this figure is extrapolated, Dr Goergen said it was easy to see that the paediatric clinic did not have sufficient beds, despite fluctuating occupation.
The clinic is generally busier in winter, added Dr Goergen, primarily due to infections such as bronchiolitis, which can be severe in young babies. The pandemic has also added extra pressure to the clinic, as is the case across the health sector in general.
At present, the "Kannerklinik" is treating six infant patients for bronchiolitis. Last week, the clinic's patients numbered 13. On Thursday, two children were being treated for Covid at the hospital. Since the pandemic was declared, the clinic has treated a maximum of six children in one day for coronavirus difficulties.
Report in Luxembourgish.
