Dr Goergen offered a glimpse into the future, highlighting the new CHL, scheduled to open in 2028 at the former maternity hospital site. She described it as an “ultra-modern building” equipped with cutting-edge technology, featuring expanded bed capacity, an MRI in the neurosurgery operating theatre, a PET-MRI, and a well-equipped nuclear medicine department. In March 2024, Dr Goergen is set to succeed Romain Nati, the retiring Director General of CHL, which also includes the maternity unit, the paediatric clinic, and the Eich Clinic.
A new paediatric clinic is in the works for 2035, with specific details regarding its size and location yet to be determined. Dr Goergen envisions it ideally situated adjacent to the maternity hospital, creating “an integrated ‘mother and child’ centre.”
“Overall, Luxembourg has a good healthcare system, even if it is often criticised,” Dr Goergen said. While challenges such as undersized infrastructure amid a growing population persist, she stressed the continuous progress in the healthcare sector, with ongoing improvements expected to reduce waiting times.
Addressing the demand for medical services, Dr Goergen noted that there is a considerable demand for MRI examinations. The Grand Duchy currently has 12 machines, and this number is set to increase further. Past reports have suggested that patients sometimes have to wait a long time for mammogram appointments, particularly for check-ups. But “if the gynaecologist requests an urgent appointment, they get one within a week,” Dr Goergen noted.
In addition, Dr Goergen stressed the importance of reinforcing primary care, i.e., general practitioners and medical centres. GPs need to work in a preventive way to alleviate the strain on emergency departments and ensure that patients “don’t go to A&E for every minor ailment.”
Despite facing a shortage of doctors and nursing staff, Dr Goergen emphasised that the system remains operational. A significant portion of nursing staff are cross-border workers. Meanwhile, doctors from abroad are often “attracted to Luxembourg by the salaries,” she acknowledged. However, Dr Goergen noted that the new generation of doctors seeks a different work-life balance, valuing quality of life and flexibility. Employers must prioritise overall attractiveness, which has become more significant than financial compensation, according to Dr Goergen.
Regarding the future of healthcare policies, Dr Goergen anticipates a shift toward a more liberal approach under the upcoming government. She advocated for the continued association of outpatient medical centres, like the one in Potaschberg, with hospitals. In her view, this collaboration ensures accessibility to these doctors for on-call duty, guaranteeing round-the-clock medical services. Dr Goergen stressed the need to avoid “uncontrolled growth” in this context.
