Cottbus hospital readies emergency room and canteen for heat wave

The Medical University Lausitz - Carl Thiem in Cottbus is adjusting operations as extreme heat reaches Brandenburg, with its central emergency department preparing for more patients and its kitchen switching to lighter meals.

The hospital said it expects more cases linked to high temperatures, including circulatory collapse, dizziness and headaches. Staff are also being prepared for the hot spell, and the report says they are being supplied with refreshments and asked to wear more breathable work clothing.

Emergency department on alert

According to the hospital, the central emergency department is preparing for an increase in heat-related complaints as temperatures rise above 30 degrees. Matthias Fehr, the department's chief physician, said people should eat light food, drink enough non-alcoholic fluids and spread meals across the day.

He also advised limiting physical activity and moving it to the cooler parts of the day, especially early morning or late evening.

Kitchen changes meals

The hospital kitchen is responding as well. When temperatures climb above 30 degrees, it is offering lighter dishes, including fruits and vegetables with high water content.

That shift is meant to support both patients and staff during the heat.

Regional heat warning

The changes come as the German Weather Service has issued an official warning for extreme heat for parts of Brandenburg on Saturday.

The broader weather pattern is affecting Berlin and Brandenburg, with temperatures expected to reach around 35 degrees and thunderstorms also possible. A similar heat response is being reported at the Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann in Potsdam, which is also informing patients and preparing for related emergencies.

What to watch next

The key question is whether heat-related emergency cases rise noticeably once the warning period begins. It remains unclear whether the Cottbus hospital will introduce any additional measures beyond the current staffing, meal and hydration adjustments.

Further updates will depend on how long the heat warning remains in force and whether other hospitals in Brandenburg report similar pressure.