Parents Allege Hamburg Children’s Hospital Dismisses Serious Illnesses as Psychological
As of November 21, 2025, parents are voicing serious concerns about the medical care their children are receiving at the Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), alleging doctors are failing to adequately address debilitating illnesses like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), often a secondary condition following a COVID-19 infection.
The allegations surfaced during a hearing with experts before the Hamburg Citizenship Health Committee on Thursday evening, where affected parents shared their experiences with the committee. Parents claim their children’s illnesses are being dismissed as psychological in origin, hindering proper diagnosis and treatment.
“We no longer have confidence in the children’s UKE,” stated Karen Ullmann, representing the affected people’s association “nichtGenesenKids Hamburg.” Ullmann, whose daughter has been bedridden since contracting COVID-19, explained that doctors at the hospital were reluctant to acknowledge a diagnosis of ME/CFS, instead attributing her daughter’s condition to psychological factors. Another affected parent echoed these sentiments, describing a similar pattern of dismissal during their interactions with the UKE.
The concerns center around ME/CFS, a complex and poorly understood neurological disease. Symptoms can vary widely and often include profound fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and post-exertional malaise. [Placeholder for chart illustrating ME/CFS symptom prevalence].
The situation has sparked concern among members of the Hamburg parliament. Health politician Gudrun Schittek (Greens) expressed shock at the testimonies, while psychiatrist Georg Schomerus from the Leipzig University Clinic emphasized the importance of listening to and learning from the experiences of those affected, rather than dismissing their descriptions.
The criticism is expected to prompt internal review. Marylyn Addo, a prominent infectiologist at the Eppendorf University Hospital, announced she would discuss the concerns raised internally.
The experiences shared highlight a broader challenge in recognizing and treating Long Covid and related conditions. Following a coronavirus infection, lingering symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath can persist for weeks or months, often requiring complex and individualized treatment plans. [Placeholder for link to resource on Long Covid treatment].
For some individuals living with ME/CFS, managing the constant exhaustion requires innovative approaches. Some find solace and a sense of control through artistic expression, utilizing their limited energy to engage in creative pursuits. [Placeholder for link to article on art therapy for ME/CFS].
The allegations against the children’s UKE underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, improved diagnostic criteria, and compassionate care for children and adolescents struggling with ME/CFS and other post-viral illnesses.
