Future of medical care in Wittstock: A round table in September!

Future of medical care in Wittstock: A round table in September!

From January 1, 2027, the hospital in Wittstock will be closed and the majority of patient care will be relocated to Pritzwalk in the future. Brandenburg's Health Minister Britta Müller recently emphasized this in a conversation with the board of directors of the KMG clinics, thereby posing a major challenge to health care in the region. Müller wants to ensure that the closure of the Wittstock Hospital does not come without viable alternatives. A completely new approach is intended to ensure medical care close to home.

The decision to close is based on the Hospital Care Improvement Act, which states that the hospital in Wittstock no longer meets the requirements for independent operation. Müller and the KMG clinics are now working on solutions that will provide an appropriate medical contact point in Wittstock from 2027. A so-called “outpatient bridge care” is planned, which should be available around the clock in order to guarantee people in the region basic medical care even after the hospital is closed.

Focus on outpatient alternatives

The creation of outpatient care options is at the center of discussions between the Ministry of Health and the KMG clinics. KMG CEO Stefan Eschmann emphasizes the urgency of finding binding partners and clear framework conditions for these new structures. In particular, the aim is to set up a cardiology insurance office in Wittstock in order to maintain medical care on site.

The Ministry of Health has already initiated discussions with the Brandenburg Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KVBB) to pursue these goals. The main focus is on retaining existing doctors and ensuring a smooth transition to outpatient care. The planned measures are not just a necessity, but are intended to strengthen the population's trust and reduce fears.

Back to care close to home

Müller emphasizes how important reliable emergency care is in Wittstock. As part of the hospital reform, which involves all stakeholders in the healthcare sector, the need for clear and transparent communication about the upcoming changes is emphasized. The “Round Table”, which is to be launched in September, will provide a crucial platform. Representatives from the Ministry of Health, the KMG clinics, the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and the health insurance companies will meet at this table to discuss details of future medical care.

While these changes appear at first glance to be a cut in local healthcare, the development of outpatient care models could certainly be viewed positively. The need to adapt to changing conditions can lead to more stable and needs-based solutions in the long term.

What the further development of the medical infrastructure in Wittstock will look like remains exciting and should be further specified in the coming months. Preparations are already underway to continue to provide people in the region with reliable medical care.

For more information read the reports from maz-online.de, aerzteblatt.de and mgs.brandenburg.de.