On Wednesday 30 September 2026, the Luxembourg Hospital Federation (Fédération des Hôpitaux Luxembourgeois - FHL) presented a new study focusing on cyber risks and resource constraints in Luxembourg’s healthcare system and setting out 17 proposed courses of action.
The study, titled “Strengthening resilience, building anti-fragility – prospects for the hospital sector and the Luxembourg healthcare system”, was initiated by the FHL and developed with the support of Antares Evidenze Health Consulting. It was presented at Healthcare Week Luxembourg (HWL) 2026 and is intended to contribute to the implementation of the national resilience strategy and to incorporate the experiences and options of the hospital sector into the country’s joint preparations. The focus is on the question of how patients can be reliably cared for even in the event of significant disruptions to the system.
The study combines an analysis of the national and international context with interviews with key stakeholders in the healthcare sector, as well as an online survey of the hospital sector and patient organisations. The 72 responses reflect the participants’ risk assessments and make it possible to identify common priorities as well as differing perceptions.
According to the FHL, respondents regard cyber risks and resource constraints as particularly critical for the Luxembourg healthcare system. In addition, the study examines health emergencies, environmental hazards, economic and financial risks, disinformation and geopolitical developments. These risks can reinforce one another and affect healthcare.
The FHL noted that professionals trained abroad and cross-border workers make an indispensable contribution to healthcare provision in Luxembourg. At the same time, the long-term availability of staff depends to a large extent on whether Luxembourg can continue to attract and retain sufficient numbers of qualified professionals in the future. Changes in the labour markets of neighbouring countries may affect these prospects.
The report therefore advocates an integrated national strategy for skilled workers. This includes expanding training provision in Luxembourg, forward-looking demand planning, attractive working conditions and opportunities for professional development. Hospitals should be strengthened in their roles as providers of clinical training, research and continuing professional development.
A structured cross-border cooperation complements these efforts. A better distribution of tasks between professional groups and a reduction in administrative burdens can also help to ensure that existing skills are deployed more effectively in patient care.
Regarding cyber security, the FHL stated that cyber-attacks can disrupt access to health data, team collaboration and the operation of key healthcare facilities. The study therefore emphasises the importance of secure digital infrastructures, coordinated emergency procedures and regularly tested recovery processes.
Preparation includes secure supply chains, critical stockpiles, adaptable buildings and reserve capacities that can be mobilised. Additional beds only become part of the care capacity if staff, equipment and logistics are also available.
The FHL is committed to ensuring that new obligations are accompanied by clear, long-term and adequate funding. The 17 courses of action link three levels: national policy frameworks, hospital management and collaboration, and the day-to-day work of the teams. They relate, amongst other things, to coordinated care pathways, prevention, the targeted pooling of expertise and resources, as well as research, innovation and patient involvement.
Antifragility describes the ability to translate experiences of disruption into lasting improvements. Crises can cause considerable harm to people and their health. It is therefore crucial to limit their consequences and to systematically use the lessons learnt to improve preparedness and care.
“We want to draw on the experience of the hospital sector in implementing the national resilience strategy. The study provides a basis for working with the relevant authorities, funding bodies, healthcare professionals and patient organisations to set priorities. Our aim is a healthcare system that fulfils its essential tasks even under pressure and learns from experience on an ongoing basis – so that people in Luxembourg can continue to rely on high-quality care in the future”, explained Sylvain Vitali, Deputy Director of the FHL.
The FHL presented the study to Luxembourg’s Minister of Health and Social Security Martine Deprez at the opening of Healthcare Week Luxembourg 2026. The FHL hopes this will support a collaborative process in which the proposed approaches are examined and translated into concrete measures for the sustainable transformation of the healthcare system. The initiative builds on the FHL’s Vision 2030.
