Diocese of Innsbruck: Do not leave health workers alone
Innsbruck, February 6, 2022 (KAP) Especially during the pandemic, it is particularly important not to leave health workers alone with their worries. As a result, the diocese of Innsbruck drew attention to the expected church “World Day of the Sick” (February 11). “Hospital chaplains are also important contacts for patients, relatives, but also staff,” emphasized Hildegard Anegg, head of hospital chaplaincy at Tirol Kliniken.
It is not important which religion someone belongs to, says Anegg: “Even if you just need someone to talk to. Innsbruck intensive care nurse Sabine Vogetseder reported that, especially in the nursing profession, a commitment is often expected that “goes far beyond the professional. But, “we in the health professions also have to take care of ourselves,” says Vogetseder, because “charity always requires self-care.”
In the medical field, too, it is confirmed that help for others can best be provided when things are going well oneself, emphasized Walpurga Weyrer, medical director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck: “Of course, the profession is also a calling – the original motivation was for me yes to help and heal people. But you also have to take care of yourself in order to be able to devote yourself to this task properly.” But that easily falls short when “statistically evaluable standards” apply to the work of health workers, warned the palliative doctor Weyrer: “For example, if it is specified how much time a patient consultation may last.”
“Are not superheroes”
Vogetseder and Weyrer both see great – often excessive – expectations placed on people in healthcare professions. “Society often has a role model of us – invulnerable, infallible. However, the reality is that we are only human!” emphasizes Weyrer. Vogetseder confirmed: “We are not superheroes, but people who do their work conscientiously to the best of their ability!”
In this year’s message for the “World Day of the Sick”, Pope Francis calls for constant human closeness to patients and thanks the health workers for their work: “Dear health workers, your service at the side of the sick, which you carry out with love and competence, transcends goes beyond the limits of your profession and becomes a mission,” writes the Pope. This commitment can be a sign of divine mercy. “Be aware of the great dignity of your profession, but also of the responsibility that it entails,” said Francis.
The “World Day of the Sick” was introduced in 1993 by Pope John Paul II. It falls on February 11th, the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. The motto of this year’s 30th World Day of the Sick is “Be merciful, as your Father is merciful” (Lk 6:36). The Pope publishes a message on this every year in advance.