Child Emergency Care: Pilot Project to Promote Work & Family Balance at the University Hospital Regensburg

Where to take the child when a sudden important training is scheduled, overtime is required, or a change in the work schedule disrupts parental logistics? Employees of the University Hospital Regensburg have had the good fortune, since June 1, 2014, to participate in a pilot project aimed at promoting the balance between family and work: For the duration of a year, the employer provides robust support and sends a qualified childcare provider to the home during shortages.

The service is fully paid for the employees, they only pay a small fee of 5 € per assignment," explains Christiane Haas from the care service Schäfchenwiese, who, as an executing partner of the family service famPLUS in Regensburg, provides the professionals on site. "The employees are trained pediatric nurses or midwives who are very familiar with children. That's why it always works well when one of our employees comes to the family," assures Christiane Haas.

Specifically, the new service works like this: If an employee realizes they need emergency childcare, they contact the family service famPLUS (by phone or email), which then organizes a "substitute" from the team of Schäfchenwiese employees within a very short time. "It can indeed work from one evening to the next morning, but normally we have 24 hours' notice," explains the head of Schäfchenwiese about the process. "The sooner we know, the better - for example, if someone already knows when they will attend a conference or business trip, we are happy to reserve one, two, or even three weeks in advance.

There is no restriction on how often employees of the University Hospital Regensburg are allowed to use this children's emergency care service. "On the contrary, both we from Schäfchenwiese and the University Hospital are pleased when the new offer to promote family-friendliness is well received!" assures Christiane Haas.

The only restriction is how long emergency care is allowed to operate – the legal regulation is a maximum of 8 consecutive hours, which is extended to 10 PM - 7 AM for night shifts. "And if further care is needed after that, the next staff member will come to the house," says Schäfchenwiese founder Haas.

The contractual aspects and payment are managed between the university hospital, famPLUS, and Schäfchenwiese, so that there are no complicated forms or applications to worry about. And if, after the year in which the pilot project is tested, many satisfied employees and managers can report good experiences and optimized working conditions, then the chances are good that the collaboration will be maintained and perhaps even expanded.

Further articles

Image

Effectively Stop Ruminating: Strategies Against the Thought Carousel

In our hectic everyday life, many people, whether with family obligations such as child rearing or maintaining relatives or as singles, are often affected by brooding and fears. This constant circles of thought can not only reduce the quality of life, but also lead to serious psychological stress. But there are scientifically sound methods to break through this vicious circle.

Image

Strengthening Adolescents: Opportunities and Needs during Puberty

A phase full of departure, curiosity and self -discovery: young people discover their place in the world, develop their own values and new skills. At the same time, they encounter challenges such as pressure to perform, digital media and social changes. This chances for growth, resilience and self -efficacy offer really accompanied.

Image

Care at home instead of in a nursing home: What can 24-hour care provide?

Living in one's own home despite needing care is the wish of many people. For their relatives, this can become a challenge. A solution often presented is 24-hour care. What does it involve? Who is it suitable for? What needs to be considered? An expert informs about the opportunities and risks.