Pathology Lab at KBC Zagreb Operates in Sweltering Heat, Staff Complain

Employees at the KBC Zagreb Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology are voicing serious concerns over unacceptably high working temperatures, with readings between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius. The intense heat is significantly hindering their ability to conduct vital histopathological and cytological analyses, which are critical for diagnosing diseases such as tumors, inflammation, and other pathological conditions.

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As an explanation to employees, it was stated that the temperature in the rooms is 'optimal' and that the high temperature is a consequence of too many devices in the room

Staff have reported the problem to their superiors, and while inspections have taken place, concrete measures to alleviate the situation have yet to be implemented. Employees were reportedly told that the current temperatures were "optimal" and that the heat was a result of too many devices operating in the confined space. They question whether such conditions are considered acceptable for daily work.

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Can any work be done normally at an air temperature of 35 degrees?

The hospital's administration has confirmed awareness of the circumstances affecting certain work areas within the department. They stated that relevant services are involved in resolving the issue and that professional assessments of the situation have been conducted. The administration claims the problem was detected promptly and that solutions aimed at improving cooling conditions are currently being implemented.

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relevant services are involved in its resolution, and necessary professional tours and assessments of the situation have already been carried out in the premises

KBC Zagreb attributes the challenging conditions partly to the exceptionally high external temperatures, which place additional strain on cooling systems, especially in areas where equipment generates extra heat. Furthermore, extensive renovation and construction work is underway at the hospital, which, while necessary for long-term infrastructure improvements, can temporarily impact the functioning of technical systems, including cooling. The hospital assures that it continuously monitors environmental conditions and takes necessary measures to ensure appropriate working and patient care environments, prioritizing the safety and well-being of both staff and patients.

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the implementation of solutions aimed at further improving the cooling conditions in the aforementioned spaces is underway