The CGSP union and nurses have sounded the alarm over dire working conditions and "toxic" medical management in the emergency department at the Paul Brien site of CHU Brugmann in Brussels.
They are demanding an increase in staff and the removal of the current emergency manager. Nurses have warned of a potential strike if their demands are not met.
Nurses and other medical staff describe management as disrespectful and degrading, with frequent verbal abuse from some doctors. This has created "intolerable" working conditions marked by oppressive pressure, fear and interference in daily tasks. "These verbal assaults are not isolated incidents but reflect a climate of disdain and total lack of respect for our profession," they stated.
The challenging work environment has worsened due to an increasing number of emergency visits. "Despite rising patient numbers, the staffing levels per shift remain unchanged or have even decreased due to resignations and absences caused by poor working conditions," they explained. "We are at breaking point."
In response, the workers are demanding an immediate increase in nurse staffing (excluding non-hospital nurses), the establishment of a healthy and instructive work environment, and the removal of the emergency department manager.
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Nurses have announced they will strike if working conditions do not improve.
CHU Brugmann's general, medical, and nursing management expressed confusion over the nurses' claims. They noted that an action plan has been in place for several months to improve the service, with scheduled meetings to ensure its proper implementation.
Management reiterated their "support and confidence" in the department's leadership.
