Union to report hospital over critical cleaner shortage

A union representative at KBC Zagreb hospital, Tanja Leontić, is preparing to file a complaint with labor inspectorates if immediate action isn't taken to address a severe shortage of cleaning staff. Leontić highlighted that two critical work areas are severely understaffed, with only four cleaners each responsible for maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and disinfection across 3,000 square meters. This workload significantly exceeds the recommended 200 square meters per cleaner for very high-risk zones.

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The situation is alarming and we have been warning about it for some time. We are not looking for a culprit but a solution because the quality of healthcare is endangered.

Leontić described the situation as alarming, emphasizing that the quality of healthcare is at risk. She noted that the problem has persisted for years, leading the hospital to rely on external cleaning services. While these external cleaners can manage low and medium-risk areas, handling high-risk zones like operating rooms and intensive care units requires specialized training and strict supervision, which is more challenging with fluctuating external staff. The work of cleaners directly impacts patient safety, yet the demanding conditions, high responsibility, and low pay make the job unattractive, with a current gross base salary of 1190 euros before additional benefits.

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We cannot allow delays, the situation is alarming and we have been warning about it for some time.

The administration of KBC Zagreb acknowledged the indispensable role of cleaning staff in maintaining hygiene and preventing infections. They stated that, like many other European health institutions, KBC Zagreb faces a significant shortage of auxiliary and non-medical personnel. Despite continuous recruitment efforts, interest in cleaning positions remains low. The hospital currently employs 203 cleaners and asserts that they offer the highest legally permissible salary coefficients to improve working conditions. However, the union insists that the current staffing levels in critical areas are unsustainable and pose a direct threat to patient care.

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We share the view that cleaners are an indispensable part of the system and that their daily work is crucial for maintaining hygiene standards, preventing hospital infections, and creating a safe environment for patients, employees, and all users of our services.