Spiegel Wirtschaft1 hour agoHealth1 min readGermany

Overloaded clinics: patients on emergency stretchers with no privacy

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In overloaded clinics, patients lie on emergency stretchers and thin rubber mattresses for 24 hours without any privacy.
The case of an Asklepios clinic in Hamburg shows how doctors reach their limits and fear for the well-being of their patients.

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Why It Matters

Many emergency rooms are working at their limits. The case of an Asklepios Clinic in Hamburg shows how doctors found themselves pushed to their limits in this system.

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Overloaded clinics 24 hours a day on emergency stretchers, thin rubber mattresses, no privacy

Many emergency rooms are working at their limits. The case of an Asklepios Clinic in Hamburg shows how doctors found themselves pushed to their limits in this system. They feared for the well-being of the patients.

By Kristina Gnirke, Eleni Klotsikas and Christian Salewski

September 22, 2026, 6:04 p.m

Open Questions

How long has this overload been going on?
What specific measures are being taken?
How many patients are affected?