How can emergency care in Bavaria remain comprehensive even after hospital reform? This question was addressed by the Health Dialogue Rescue Service at OTH Regensburg. The event was initiated by Prof. Dr. Joachim Grifka, Head of the Research Centre for Orthopaedics and Ergonomics, and Prof. Dr. Annette Meussling-Sentpali, Representative for the Central Development Focus on Health.
In her welcoming address, Mayor Dr. Astrid Freudenstein emphasised the responsibility to ensure emergency care in rural areas as well. She underlined that OTH Regensburg combines scientific analysis with practical experience, which is crucial for developing viable solutions.
The health dialogue made it clear that the university plays a central role as a platform for exchange between science, emergency services and politics. The discussion focused on strategies to strengthen the emergency services in terms of personnel, structure and digitalisation.
Prof. Dr Bernhard Graf, Director of the Clinic for Anaesthesiology at Regensburg University Hospital, emphasised the importance of telemedicine doctors, who can refer patients to the appropriate care facility. Sebastian Gerosch, Head of Emergency Services at BRK Regensburg, reported on increasing numbers of call-outs and longer transport times – and called for better coordination between emergency services, GP care and telemedical consultation.
Prof. Dr. Annette Meussling-Sentpali emphasised that qualified nursing staff in basic local care play an important complementary role to the emergency services.
Prof. Dr. Joachim Grifka urged that the necessary measures be taken now – before hospital closures jeopardise regional care. He said that improved IT infrastructure, a clear division of tasks between emergency services and outpatient care, and financial and structural decisions for a sustainable emergency system were key.
With the Health Dialogue, OTH Regensburg is making an important contribution to the development of modern, networked emergency care in Bavaria.
