Stralsund is preparing for hospital reform with new specializations

Stralsund is preparing for hospital reform with new specializations

The current discussion about hospital reform, which is considered the largest of its kind in 20 years, is also bringing movement to health care in Stralsund. The Helios Group is cautious about this, while the Hanseklinikum Stralsund, the largest hospital in Western Pomerania-Rügen with 1,000 beds, is focusing on specialization in order to meet the new requirements. The reform was recently passed with a majority in the Bundestag, but has also caused considerable controversy in northern Germany. Critics from various political camps are calling for improvements, while Health Minister Lauterbach said that the reform introduces necessary structural and financial changes to improve health care. The final approval of the Federal Council is still pending, which is further fueling the uncertainty, especially in view of the threat of underfunding in many clinics.

The Hanseatic Hospital in Stralsund is not only known for its size, but also for its variety of medical offerings. These include, among other things, an obstetric unit, a stroke unit, a trauma center and a cardiac arrest center. This comprehensive care is particularly important: Despite the new reform, the aim is to offer patients the best possible therapy on site without having to travel long distances. As part of this specialization, cardiology has expanded significantly and opened a second cardiac catheter laboratory in March, which underlines the high quality of treatment.

Specialization as the key to success

In the past, the clinic has made great progress in the field of oncology. Stralsund has established itself as a recognized center for pancreatic and colon cancer. In addition, the Department of Gynecology received its first recognition as a cancer center for breast cancer. The breast center has treated over 3,000 patients and enjoys a high level of satisfaction. It appears that the clinic is prepared to continually expand its scope of services and plans to obtain certification as an oncology center within the next three years. The aim is to bring together various organ cancer centers under one roof and ensure interdisciplinary care.

These developments in Stralsund are in the context of a comprehensive health care reform, which envisages a switch from flat rate payments to specific services. This goal is intended to limit hospital deaths and sustainably improve medical care. However, there are concerns: many clinics, especially in rural areas, are facing financial challenges. One example is the protests from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where the hospital company criticized the reform as inadequate and called for improvements.

The challenge for everyone involved is to find the right course. The German healthcare system, which cares for around 83 million German citizens, is one of the best in international comparison, but has to adapt to constantly changing conditions. With around 1,900 hospitals and over 160,000 outpatient doctors, the structures are well positioned, but without reform many facilities are at risk of insolvency. Health Minister Drese warns that no one wants to experience the consequences of a possible hospital death.

A look into the future shows that the reform entails more than just changes in financing. It is expected to aim for targeted specialization in fewer services to ensure high quality care. The next months and years will show whether the planned reforms in the healthcare system have the desired effect or whether further adjustments will be necessary.