Potsdam Hospitals Cut Services Amid Reform; AfD Seeks Emergency Parliament Session

Two prominent hospitals in Potsdam, Germany, are shutting down several departments as a direct consequence of the ongoing healthcare reform. The Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann will cease offering orthopedics and vascular surgery, while the Alexianer St. Josefs-Krankenhaus will close its neurology, gynecology, and obstetrics units. The latter's gynecology and obstetrics services have already stopped due to staffing shortages.

The AfD party in the Brandenburg state parliament has called for an extraordinary session of the health committee during the summer recess to address these closures. AfD parliamentary group leader Hans-Christoph Berndt announced the request, which has enough support to be convened, though it still requires approval from the parliament's presidium.

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These closures will worsen medical care for patients.

AfD health politician Daniela Oeynhausen expressed concern that these service reductions will negatively impact patient care in the region. She questioned the role of a major hospital like Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann if it can no longer provide essential services such as vascular surgery locally. The healthcare reform's stated goals are to reduce costs and enhance care quality through specialization, with the Brandenburg state government aiming to maintain comprehensive basic healthcare coverage across the region.

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What is the value of a maximum care provider like Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann if such an important department as vascular surgery is no longer available locally?