Hospital in Hennigsdorf to Lose Inpatient Care Under Proposed Reforms
Oberhavel County plans to eliminate inpatient services at the Hennigsdorf hospital, according to a study commissioned by the county. The study recommends consolidating inpatient clinics in Oranienburg and Hennigsdorf into a single facility in Oranienburg.
"Oranienburg is more suitable for this purpose," said a county spokesperson, citing the aging infrastructure of the Hennigsdorf hospital, which dates back to the 1940s and 1950s.
Under the proposal, Hennigsdorf would maintain basic healthcare services, a psychiatric clinic, and emergency care but would lose all inpatient services. Oranienburg would receive a newly constructed facility.
"No staff will be lost as a result of these changes," the spokesperson assured.
The plans are driven by the ongoing hospital reform in Germany, which aims to reduce financial strain and promote specialization within the sector. The Oberhavel County Council will have to approve the proposed changes before they can be implemented.
According to Landrat (District Administrator) Alexander Tönnies (SPD) and Detlef Troppens, Managing Director of Oberhavel Kliniken GmbH, the consolidation will lead to a concentration of expertise at the Oranienburg facility.
"Basic medical care will still be provided at the three clinic locations in Hennigsdorf, Oranienburg, and Gransee," Tönnies stated. "Services such as emergency treatment for stroke and heart attack will remain available."
Troppens, who also serves as chairman of the Brandenburg State Hospital Association, emphasized that the financial situation of the hospital network is currently stable. He described the federal hospital reform as an effort to alleviate financial pressure and promote increased specialization within the healthcare system.
Key Features of the Proposed Reforms:
- Elimination of inpatient services at Hennigsdorf hospital
- Consolidation of inpatient clinics in Oranienburg
- Construction of a new facility in Oranienburg
- Retention of basic healthcare services, psychiatric clinic, and emergency care in Hennigsdorf
- Maintenance of basic medical care at all three clinic locations (Hennigsdorf, Oranienburg, Gransee)
- Commitment to retaining all staff
Critics of the proposal have expressed concerns about the potential impact on access to healthcare services in Hennigsdorf. They argue that the loss of inpatient services will force residents to travel further for care, particularly during emergencies.
Supporters of the plan, however, maintain that the consolidation will improve the overall quality of healthcare in the region by centralizing expertise and resources in a single, modern facility.
The Oberhavel County Council is expected to discuss and vote on the proposed changes in the coming weeks. The outcome of the vote will determine the future of inpatient healthcare services in Hennigsdorf.
