Dr Reuter advocated for better work conditions for hospital physicians, noting that while they remain highly motivated to help patients, they are slowly reaching their limits.
He expressed little concern about a supposed exodus of doctors. Even if a number of physicians recently resigned from their positions at hospitals, they remain active in Luxembourg’s healthcare system.
Nevertheless, staff shortages are real and something has to be done to improve the situation and make hospital work more attractive for doctors, said Dr Reuter. The hiring process has long been extended across the greater region, and officials now hope to ensure more multi-disciplinary work, more practical training, and more research. In the long run, the creation of a university hospital would also help bring Luxembourgish medical students back to the Grand Duchy, argued Dr Reuter.
Salaries similarly play a role in the decision of physicians to work from private offices. Dr Reuter underlined the importance of also valorising hospital work, which is often more complex, from a financial point of view.
In relation to ambulatory shifts, Dr Reuter warned that the situation may cause competition between hospitals and independent facilities. Furthermore, a wage indexation should be made for nightshifts. However, he also expressed satisfaction over the proposed salary rates for on-call duties.
