Rostock is investing 100 million euros in a new parent-child center!

Rostock is investing 100 million euros in a new parent-child center!

On July 9, 2025, the top representatives of the Rostock University Medical Center (UMR) and the Südstadt Rostock Clinic (KSR) agreed on a forward-looking concept for the establishment of a parent-child center (ELKI). This agreement is the result of intensive discussions with the Hanseatic and university city of Rostock and the state government of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Government MV reported.

With an investment volume of around 100 million euros, the ELKI is intended to not only sustainably improve pediatric care in Rostock, but also to modernize existing structures. The planning includes comprehensive new buildings and renovation measures both at the Südstadt Clinic and on the campus of the Rostock University Medical Center. What is particularly noteworthy is that medical departments such as pediatrics, pediatric surgery, gynecology, obstetrics and neonatology will remain at their current locations, creating a cross-location care network.

New focus on neonatology

A key point of the project is the UMR taking over the academic management of neonatology at the KSR. This ensures that newborn patients can also receive appropriate care on site. A new operating room is planned, which is specifically designed for necessary pediatric surgical procedures on newborns. The UMR children's clinic can already care for the majority of patients in pediatric and adolescent medicine, and this infrastructure will be further strengthened by the planned measures.

Health Minister Stefanie Drese described the collaboration as pioneering for pediatric and obstetric care. “The new parent-child center will play a central role in the health care of families in Rostock and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania,” said Drese. This shows that a good hand in developing healthcare is needed to better serve the needs of families.

The structure of the family center

The concept for the ELKI is based on solid foundations that build on the success of existing family centers. These facilities not only offer medical, but also supportive and educational options for parents and children. Currently, many daycare centers in Germany, including in North Rhine-Westphalia, have developed into family and parent-child centers that act as hubs in the social network. This approach would also be pursued in Rostock in order to closely link education, upbringing and care, as is the case Education server explained.

In summary, there will be a change in Rostock that promises both structural and conceptual progress. Local people can look forward to improved medical care, while the planned investments will both improve the quality of life for families and future-proof regional health care.