Eberswalde is facing a health transition: GLG is being restructured!

Eberswalde is facing a health transition: GLG is being restructured!

Significant restructuring in the health sector is underway in the Uckermark region. The Barnim District Health Society (GLG) will be redesigned by January 1, 2026, which will require all committees to agree. This measure is the result of intensive discussions between the districts of Barnim and Uckermark. Important: The Uckermark district becomes the majority owner of the Uckermark Medical-Social Center (MSZ).

The planned shareholder structure stipulates that the Barnim district will have the upper hand with 71.1%, followed by the Uckermark district with 16.9%. The city of Eberswalde has a 3.8% stake, while GLG GmbH holds 8.2% of the company shares. The transformation of GLG GmbH into a non-profit company is also on the agenda, a step that is intended to ensure that medical services in the region are sustainably secured. The Uckermark district plans to provide up to 4 million euros for the Prenzlau hospital in order to maintain its status as a primary care provider.

Political support and discussions

The changes were discussed in detail at the most recent meeting of the Barnim district committee on November 10th. The Barnim district council will make the final decision on November 26th. Eberswalde has a main committee meeting on December 4th and a city council meeting on December 11th to approve the new structure. This could represent a new beginning for healthcare in the region.

The background to this restructuring is tensions between the GLG and the Uckermark district, which have recently increased. District Administrator Karina Dörk (CDU) made it clear that the relationship of trust with GLG management was severely damaged, which was reinforced by GLG's refusal to implement the district council's resolution to maintain the hospital in Prenzlau. In an earlier vote, 44 MPs voted for the district to leave the GLG, with only one vote against.

Employee fears and concerns

There are concerns among MSZ employees about job insecurity. Ingrid Neundörfer and other employees expressed that they would like to be involved in the development of the hospital locations. Dörk assured that the district should not repeat the mistake of lack of communication. She also emphasized that privatization of hospitals is not on the agenda and that wage differences for non-medical employees will be a thing of the past. These are all important steps to relieve employees and regain their trust.

The political debate is characterized by intense opinions. Dr. Heinrich Jacobi, former managing director of the Prenzlau district hospital, supported the district council's resolutions and offered himself as a consultant. While MPs Felix Teichner (AfD) and Axel Krumrey (Die Linke) support the change of course, Ellen Fährmann (CDU) appealed to employees not to resign. Sebastian Finger (SPD) also showed support, but advised the state government and health insurance companies to take responsibility to ensure the best possible care.

In this critical phase, the votes and discussions in both Eberswalde and Uckermark are concentrating hopes for a positive turnaround in the healthcare system. The coming sessions could be crucial for the future of medical care across the region. Moz.de reports about development, while also Nordkurier responds to the discussions.