With empathy and expertise: Interview with Thomas Berck, Head of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at the Kreisklinik

Mr. Berck, why did you choose anesthesia and intensive care?

 

I think this applies to care as a whole: The profession demands a lot, but it also gives back an incredible amount. Especially in anesthesia care, people come to you with their worries, their restlessness before the operation. As a caregiver, you can talk openly with the patients, inform them and calm them down. This special contribution is of course also in demand in the intensive care unit. Being there for patients is something special.

 

Certainly also a debilitating task – always a lot to do and also so much responsibility?

 

Yes, of course. But where in nursing – in every clinical profession – is this not the case? You also have the chance to make a difference. If the patient goes to the surgery calmly and worry-free, not only does he have a better experience, but the likelihood of medical complications also decreases. Knowing this motivates and shows me again and again why I chose the profession.

 

Here, therefore, the psychic and physical sides of the patient are directly connected.

 

Exactly. A finding with which one comes to the intensive care unit, or an intervention under anesthesia is not only physically a state of emergency: Patients worry about the changes that come with an injury or surgery. But this is normal and perfectly fine.

 

How do you deal with it?

 

The most important thing is to be aware of: Ultimately, there are two people sitting opposite each other. The patient is a ‘quite normal person’ like me – with worries and uncertainties. What is routine for me is an unusual process for my counterpart. This must always be borne in mind. Empathy is the key word here.

 

Since 2006, you have also been a practice manager and prepare prospective nurses for their later work. What is important to you in training?

 

In addition to the general content, I also try to incorporate my own tips and tricks from practice. For example, after an operation, I always say ‘good morning’ in the recovery room. The trainees can orient themselves on such advice, the training is made more concrete and entertaining. We want satisfied trainees who stay connected to us even after training.

 

Is it difficult to get offspring for anesthesia and intensive care?

 

That's it everywhere. Of course, the care emergency does not stop in front of our station. Anesthesia and intensive care have clear advantages.

 

What stands out?

 

We care for two to three patients per shift, in total there are eight beds on the ward. So we have time for everyone and everyone, get in touch with patients and coordinate with each other in a team. You'll never get bored here!

 

Against the background of the upcoming hospital reform, there is a lot of discussion in federal policy about which services small hospitals should even cover in the future. The district hospital would also be affected by the planned measures. How do you view the projects? Does Groß-Gerau not need an intensive care unit?

 

Gross-Gerau definitely needs an intensive care unit! It makes a huge difference, especially for patients in an emergency – and not only then – whether they are cared for at their doorstep or 20 kilometres away. A familiar, family environment in which the relatives are not far away makes sense for everyone. Federal policy does not seem to want to understand this.

 

What would you want from politics?

 

The plans of the federal government show me that we small houses not only feel overlooked, but are also left out. I want politics to understand: Local providers, as we are, do an extremely important job for patients and for the system, which the major clinics cannot shoulder on their own. It just can't be done without us.

 

Thanks for the interview!