Freiburg hospital braces for full-day strike on May 19, 2026

Freiburg University Hospital will face disruptions on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, as staff join a full-day warning strike. The action, called by the ver.di union, is part of ongoing wage disputes in the public sector. Patients have been advised to prepare for delays and possible appointment changes. The ver.di union urged employees at the hospital to take part in the walkout. As a result, some scheduled surgeries and outpatient visits may be postponed. Affected patients will receive direct notifications if their appointments are cancelled.

Longer wait times are expected across many departments. However, emergency treatments, intensive care, and urgent surgeries will continue as normal. Services in obstetrics, oncology, and paediatrics will also remain unaffected.

Patients have been asked to visit the emergency department only in genuine emergencies. Where possible, they should seek care at other hospitals instead. Despite the strike, essential medical care will still be guaranteed. The warning strike follows broader wage negotiations in the public sector. While routine services may be delayed, critical care will stay operational. Patients are advised to check for updates and follow hospital guidance during the disruption.