This was confirmed to RTL by the president of the Luxembourg Federation of Hospitals, Paul Junck, and the president and director of the National Health Fund (CNS), Christian Oberlé, citing ethical concerns above all. Hospitals in France, Belgium, and Germany are all struggling with capacities themselves, Junck explained.
There is, of course, a risk that our neighbouring countries will requisition their citizens for their own healthcare sector. This would be fatal for Luxembourg, where 62% of care personnel hail from across our borders.
CNS director Christian Oberlé stresses that recruitment efforts aren't restricted by budgets, but simply a difficulty to find people. Spontaneous applications from cross-border workers will still be considered, Paul Junck and Christian Oberlé confirmed.
The focus is now on students of the Health Sector school (Lycée Technique pour Professions de Santé), who are in the process of choosing their areas of specialisation.
Further, health workers in early retirement will be encouraged to return to work. Even within hospitals, some reshuffling could bring relief, by reassigning administrative personnel who have the requisite diplomas back into care work.
Currently there are around 250 care workers missing across Luxembourg hospitals due to either isolation or quarantine.
