Brandenburg Health Minister Foresees More Hospital Closures Amid Reform

Brandenburg's Health Minister René Wilke views hospital specialization as a necessary step amid ongoing reforms, even if it leads to service closures. He stated that the current situation in Potsdam, while causing individual hardship, is fundamentally correct for securing and improving quality in the long term. Wilke confirmed that his ministry supports these changes as they align with the criteria for implementing the hospital reform.

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Also that which is happening in Potsdam right now, despite all individual pain, is correct in substance. It will secure and improve quality in the long term.

The reform has prompted two major Potsdam hospitals to announce service reductions. Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann will cease offering orthopedics and vascular surgery starting in August. Alexianer St. Josefs-Krankenhaus is closing its neurology, gynecology, and obstetrics departments. The latter clinic has already halted operations in gynecology and obstetrics due to staffing issues. Both institutions cite the hospital reform as the reason for discontinuing parallel service offerings.

Wilke acknowledged that his ministry is involved early in such processes but stressed that patient care must not be jeopardized. He insisted that even stations slated for closure must continue to function until their final day, particularly in obstetrics at St. Josefs. When asked about potential future unannounced closures or mergers, the minister stated he could not rule it out, but expects suitable alternatives to be prepared and staff to be involved.

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As a ministry, we are involved in such processes early on. However, care must not be jeopardized. Stations that are to be closed must also function until the end.

Reassuringly, Wilke pledged to maintain all hospital locations in Brandenburg long-term. He noted that some facilities will necessarily adopt different functions, but the provision of basic and emergency care will remain easily accessible. The reform aims to reduce costs and enhance the quality of care. However, the minister also criticized the federal government's austerity package for statutory health insurance funds, citing a lack of prior consultation with the states.

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We want to maintain all hospital locations in the state of Brandenburg in the long term. Some must and will get other functions. Basic and emergency care will continue to be available with good accessibility.