German Hospitals Consolidate Services Amid Reform, Sparking Protests

Potsdam's healthcare landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as two major hospitals, Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann and St. Josefs-Krankenhaus, consolidate services under a new hospital reform. This restructuring will lead to the closure of several departments within these facilities, sparking protests from hundreds of concerned citizens.

The Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann will discontinue its orthopedic and vascular surgery services starting in August. Orthopedic care will transfer to the Oberlinklinik in Potsdam-Babelsberg, while vascular surgery will move to the Alexianer St. Josefs-Krankenhaus. Concurrently, St. Josefs-Krankenhaus will close its neurology, gynecology, and obstetrics departments. The gynecology and obstetrics services will be absorbed by the Bergmann-Klinikum. Notably, the obstetrics department at St. Josefs had already ceased operations due to staffing shortages.

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Potsdam will thus have higher quality and safer vascular surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and maternity services than before.

Both hospitals cite the ongoing hospital reform as the primary reason for these changes. However, health officials are facing criticism, with AfD politician Daniela Oeynhausen expressing fears of diminished patient care. In response, Brandenburg's Health Minister René Wilke has defended the reform, asserting that it will ultimately enhance the quality and safety of medical services in Potsdam.

"Potsdam will thus have higher quality and safer vascular surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and maternity services than before," Wilke told the 'Märkische Allgemeine' newspaper. He reiterated this stance during a special session of the state parliament's health committee, emphasizing that the reform prioritizes patient safety and quality by optimizing resource utilization. "All services will continue. Nothing will be lost," the minister assured, though he acknowledged the reform presents challenges. He stressed that the goal is to secure regional healthcare provision, ensuring patients receive the best possible treatments, particularly distinguishing between complex procedures and emergency care, which will remain unaffected. Wilke also mentioned that a solution is being sought for the "babyklappe" (baby hatch) service, which has ceased operation, and discussions are underway regarding the future of midwives.

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All services will continue. Nothing will be lost.