Ügyelet

Ügyelet is the arrangement in which designated staff are on standby to handle emergencies or urgent matters outside normal working hours. It is used across several sectors, most notably in healthcare and pharmaceutical services, but can also apply to other emergency or service-critical roles. The concept centers on being reachable, ready to respond quickly, and able to provide timely assistance or care when regular daytime services are not available.

In healthcare, ügyelet typically refers to after-hours coverage in hospitals and clinics. On-call doctors, nurses, and specialists participate in rotating rosters to ensure that emergencies—such as acute illnesses, injuries, or critical patient care—can be addressed at any time. The on-call staff may be required to stay near the workplace or to be reachable by phone or digital communication, and they must report to the facility if their services are needed. Working during ügyelet is usually compensated separately from standard daytime shifts, and the exact terms are governed by labor law and sector-specific agreements.

In the context of pharmacies, an ügyeletes gyógyszertár is a pharmacy designated to remain open during nights, weekends, and public holidays to dispense essential medications. Such establishments are scheduled to ensure continuous access to medicines when regular pharmacies are closed.

Organizationally, ügyelet relies on rosters, clear call-out procedures, and defined performance expectations. It aims to balance timely emergency response with workers’ rest and safety, often supported by regulations and collective agreements that outline compensation, duration, and overtime considerations.