A recent study conducted by the Hospital Federation, in collaboration with the consultancy firm Antares Evidenze Health Consulting, has found that shortages in resources and growing cybersecurity threats are the main issues affecting the resilience of the country’s hospital and wider health system.
The findings were presented following a thorough consultation involving hospitals, ministries, healthcare authorities, questionnaires sent to hospital sector staff and patients, and a series of interviews, according to the federation’s deputy director, Sylvain Vitali.
The results are based on 72 responses from various stakeholders.
While not all professions are equally affected, the study notes that there is mounting pressure in certain hospital roles, particularly those that are crucial to hospital operations.
According to Vitali, it is increasingly challenging to recruit qualified staff for specific occupational groups within the sector.
To address this, the study recommends continuing to recruit healthcare workers from abroad while also enhancing training opportunities within Luxembourg.
Vitali emphasised that salary is just one aspect influencing the attractiveness of health sector careers, noting that opportunities for professional development, research, and teaching also play a significant role.
For example, those arriving from abroad after many years of study may be seeking to engage in research or teaching, and these options can make such roles more appealing.
The study also warns that cyberattacks are on the rise, leaving hospitals increasingly vulnerable. Vitali explained that an attack on hospital IT systems can severely disrupt operations for an extended period.
To minimise these risks, the study advises hospitals to invest in robust security measures, maintain up-to-date backups, and have clear procedures to restore critical systems quickly.
However, Vitali noted that for security reasons, the precise details of these preparations are not disclosed publicly, as sharing such information could be exploited by malicious actors.
In total, the Hospital Federation has identified seventeen key areas that require urgent action to strengthen the resilience of Luxembourg’s hospital sector.
Last week, the study was formally presented to Minister of Health Martine Deprez, a member of the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV).
