Citizen dialogues on the future of healthcare in the Elbe-Elster district!

Citizen dialogues on the future of healthcare in the Elbe-Elster district!

A lot is happening in the Elbe-Elster region, as health care is the focus of numerous citizen dialogues organized by the Medical University of Lausitz. From November 4, 2023, a total of three forums will take place in Finsterwalde, Elsterwerda and Herzberg in which citizens can submit their questions and concerns. The aim is to provide transparent information about future healthcare in the region. These citizen dialogues are intended to provide an important platform to discuss topics such as care, care, digital innovations, prevention and health literacy. The board members of the MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF LAUSITZ will actively accompany the events and talk to citizens at various topic tables.

Those interested don't need to worry about registering because entry is free! The forums begin at 5 p.m. and thus strengthen the possibility of open communication between citizens and experts. In Finsterwalde, the first citizens' forum will be held in the Sangerstadt-Gymnasium, while Elsterwerda and Herzberg will hold their events in the Elsterschloss-Gymnasium and the Melanchthon-Gymnasium.

A look back: The first dialogues

The first citizens' dialogue on the future of healthcare took place in Herzberg on October 7, 2023. Around 60 citizens were present in the auditorium of the Philipp Melanchton High School. The event was moderated by District Administrator Christian Jaschinski and clinic managing director Michael Winkler, who provided information about the planned central clinic and discussed the conversion of existing hospital locations. During this discussion, which lasted almost two hours and in which many citizens continued to ask questions even after the official end, the challenges of health care in the region were also discussed. In particular, the shortage of skilled workers and the declining number of patients were highlighted, which is why a modern central clinic is essential to ensure high-quality medical services.

District Administrator Jaschinski addressed the citizens' concerns and assured that medical care in the district would be maintained despite the changes. Planned health centers and medical care centers (MVZ) at current locations should help to ensure this. The hospital reform is a decision of the federal government and will result in changes nationwide.

Outlook for the next dialogues

The next citizen dialogues are already being planned: on October 20, 2025 in Elsterwerda and on October 22, 2025 in Finsterwalde, citizens are invited to put forward their concerns again and find out about the latest developments. Continued communication between citizens and health professionals is a crucial step in ensuring that healthcare in the region is adapted to the needs of the population.

All of these initiatives attempt to show a good hand for future healthcare in Elbe-Elster and to find a structured and needs-based solution for the people in the region. After all, informed citizens are the best citizens when it comes to health.