Community nurses: ray of hope against the shortage of doctors in rural areas!

Community nurses: ray of hope against the shortage of doctors in rural areas!

In rural areas of Germany, many people face the challenge of finding medical care nearby. This is particularly the case in villages, where there is often no longer a general practitioner. Community health nurses, who offer unbureaucratic and low-threshold support, present a promising solution. The NDR reported by Regina Göretzlehner, a community sister in Siedenbollentin in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. She holds a consultation room in the community center once a month to support the villagers. Here you can clarify important health questions without having to wait long.

An indispensable part of their work is the provision of blood glucose and blood pressure monitors as well as materials for first aid. Even if the community nurses are not allowed to carry out therapeutic or diagnostic activities, they act as important contacts and refer patients to doctors or other health actors. The realization that there is often a shortage of doctors and psychologists, especially in rural areas, shows how valuable their role can be. Many of the villagers are lonely and simply appreciate the contact and the open ear.

The new initiative in Berlin-Neukölln shows a progressive view of this problem rbb24 describes. Here the MoRo association offers support for a large number of seniors. Many of these older people feel left alone when visiting the doctor and receive support from the association's helpers. Given the close connection between social and health services, the federal government may want to revitalize the profession of community nurse in order to meet the specific requirements of health care.

The shortage of doctors is not just a problem in small towns, but also affects metropolitan areas. A community health nursing course was launched at the Vallendar University of Philosophy and Theology to develop solutions. According to the Rhine newspaper The new community health nurses will take on medical tasks for chronically ill patients. There is currently a lack of legal regulations to firmly establish this profession, but the potential to revolutionize healthcare is great.

The positive response to the work of community sisters is also evident in the town of Siedenbollentin, where Regina Göretzlehner is affectionately called “Sister Inge” by the villagers. She has supported over 2,500 people since the project started and is encouraged in her vision by Pastor Sonja Reincke. Many villagers see regular visits from the community sister as a real benefit to their community.

German society is facing crucial challenges. There is a big gap in urban and rural care that can only be closed through innovative concepts like that of community nurses. Health offers require a good hand and, above all, a close connection to the local people. The hope that this concept will gain a foothold nationwide remains and could serve as a model to better network and improve health services.