Severe Shortage of Cleaners at Croatia's Largest Hospital Sparks Concern

Croatia's largest hospital, KBC Zagreb, is grappling with a significant shortage of cleaning staff, a situation that is increasingly forcing the institution to depend on external service providers. Tanja Leontić, president of the KBC Zagreb Union, highlighted the growing number of unfilled positions and the continuous rise in reliance on outsourced cleaning.

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Maintaining cleanliness in the largest Croatian hospital must not depend on finding an external contractor, but on a stable and well-organized system based on its own workers.

Leontić cautioned that while outsourcing might offer a temporary solution, it should not become a substitute for permanent employees. In-house cleaning staff possess crucial knowledge of the hospital's specific environment, work organization, and the stringent hygiene and infection control protocols necessary in a healthcare setting. "Maintaining cleanliness in the largest Croatian hospital must not depend on finding an external contractor, but on a stable and well-organized system based on its own workers," she stated.

The union emphasizes that cleaning staff are an indispensable part of the healthcare system, directly impacting patient safety, the quality of care, and the overall functioning of the hospital. However, the demanding nature of the work, coupled with significant responsibility and relatively low pay, makes the position increasingly unattractive to potential candidates.

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The KBC Zagreb Union warns that it is high time for concrete measures to increase interest in this job, improve working conditions, and ensure a sufficient number of our own employees.

"The KBC Zagreb Union warns that it is high time for concrete measures to increase interest in this job, improve working conditions, and ensure a sufficient number of our own employees," the union communicated. They stress that a safe hospital environment is impossible without dedicated cleaning personnel, urging that their work be valued appropriately.

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Without cleaning staff, there is no safe hospital. It is time their work is valued as it deserves.