The medical centres, which function as a port-of-call for patients requiring care out of regular GP hours, have seen an increase in use of their services over the past year. The existing structures are unable to cope with increasing demand, hence the new centre in Luxembourg's capital.
However, the other centres in Esch-sur-Alzette and Ettelbruck also have a move on the cards. Plans are afoot to move the Esch centre to Avenue du Swing in Belval, while a new site has been selected at the cigarette factory in Ettelbruck, which will enable authorities to build a larger structure.
The pandemic in particular has exposed the limits to the current services offered by the medical centres after they were forced to close during the high point of the crisis in 2020, after an influx of patients. The new centre in Luxembourg City has taken this demand into account and has therefore been prepared to treat a higher number of patients.
Residents in eastern Luxembourg, however, are still awaiting updates on whether the region will receive its own medical centre. The Minister of Health explained they did not currently have the resources to run an overnight emergency service in the east, due to lack of sufficient staff. However, the minister added that she was looking at other alternatives, for example extending GP practice hours.
The overnight medical centres first opened in Luxembourg in 2010. Patients may request treatment outside of GP operating hours, with appointments starting from 7pm and 7am on weekends and public holidays. To make an appointment, call 20 333 111, or 112 if it is after midnight.
Video report in Luxembourgish:
