Minister of Health does not anticipate any fatalities at a clinic
In an interview with the "Potsdamer Neuesten Nachrichten" (PNN), Health Minister Britta Müller discussed the ongoing hospital reform in Brandenburg, addressing concerns about potential protests, closures, and restructuring of hospitals.
The hospital reform, which came into effect on January 1st, aims to assign performance groups to clinics by the end of 2026. Müller anticipates protests at locations undergoing changes due to the reform, but assures that no hospital closures are expected in Brandenburg.
However, Müller acknowledges that the reform will bring changes, including longer journeys to the doctor for some patients. To address the shortage of specialist doctors, ophthalmologists, and dermatologists, Müller proposes linking the outpatient and inpatient systems. Some hospitals may even become outpatient clinics, according to Müller.
The Wittstock/Dosse hospital, which was announced for closure, may still be used for possible further purposes, Müller stated. Müller believes that it's better to drive longer to a specialized hospital than to receive incorrect or no treatment.
The Uckermark district is working to secure two struggling clinic locations in Prenzlau and Angermünde. Two hospitals, in Spremberg and Guben, have recovered from insolvency.
Müller's comments come as the financing of the hospitals is gradually switched to the new system under the reform. The minister emphasized that not all services need to be available at all locations, and that the future of healthcare lies in the integration of outpatient and inpatient services.
KMG Kliniken, the hospital operator in Wittstock/Dosse, cited the requirements of the hospital reform as the reason for the closure. The financing of the hospitals will be gradually switched to the new system under the reform.
For precise examples and up-to-date information on hospital closures and restructuring in Brandenburg, Müller recommended checking the Brandenburg’s Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Integration and Consumer Protection or relevant healthcare oversight bodies for official reports on hospital reform implementation and any hospital closures or restructuring plans.
The hospital reform, initiated on January 1st, is working towards assigning performance groups to clinics by the end of 2026, which may lead to changes such as longer travel distances for certain patients (health-and-wellness). To combat the shortage of specialists, Health Minister Britta Müller suggests integrating outpatient and inpatient services, which could result in some hospitals transforming into outpatient clinics (science).
