The number of attacks on medical staff in Luxembourg has doubled since 2019
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In response to a parliamentary enquiry, the Luxembourg Ministry of Health provided data on the increase in aggression in hospitals and measures aimed at protecting medical staff. The problem is manifested both at national level and in EU neighbours, which underlines its relevance.
Since 2019, the number of recorded incidents of verbal and physical attacks on medical staff in Luxembourg hospitals has doubled. In 2023 alone, some 185 incidents were recorded in the country's largest medical centres. Between 2022 and 2023, the increase was 30 per cent.
The following steps are taken to reduce aggression and protect staff:
- Prevention: information materials explaining the inadmissibility of aggression have been placed in hospitals.
- Training: medics receive training in stress management, conflict prevention and how to deal safely with difficult situations.
- Support: Psychological counselling is provided to victims of assault, as well as information on the right to file a complaint with the police.
Hospitals contract private security companies and funding for such services is increasing annually. In 2025, spending on security in hospitals will reach almost €7 million, of which the largest shares are allocated to institutions such as CHL (€1.5 million) and HRS (€1.9 million).
The approach to patients who demonstrate aggression is based on respect for their dignity. There are no designated areas for such patients, but staff try to minimise their contact with others. In critical situations, security services are involved.
