Christmas in hospital

Christmas Eve duty on the maternity ward

Christiane Radler and Michaela Trauer (with Mila) spend December 24 on duty.(Bild: Markus Tschepp)

Christmas baby and New Year's baby: The maternity ward at Salzburg State Hospital is a hive of activity even at the quietest time of the year. 

With little Mila, it should turn out well. The little one, who was born just a few days ago, will spend the first Christmas in her new home in Flachgau. Mom Nina and dad Christoph are looking forward to their first Christmas as a family.

"Everyone wants to get home quickly before Christmas with their new happiness," says Christiane Radler (27). Together with Michaela Trauer (52), however, she is on duty on Christmas Eve. The two qualified nurses look after baby and mother on the maternity ward at Salzburg University Hospital.

"We have 24-hour admission"
Radler from Pongau doesn't mind working at Christmas. She prefers to spend the New Year with family and friends. It's a similar story for her colleague Michaela. Her three sons are already grown up. The holiday is important, but the significance is different. The service on December 24th is more contemplative than usual on the maternity ward. "But a baby can be born at any time. We are open 24 hours a day," says Christiane Radler. 

After the delivery room, each new family moves on to their ward. "With 40 newborns, we are currently almost full," adds colleague Trauer. Until New Year's Eve, the number of births is even slightly higher than usual every year. So the quietest time in the hospital is a hectic one? "Yes, but that doesn't bother us, we're always here. All year round."