Bitterfeld-Böhlen in turmoil: Helios Clinic Zerbst will soon be closing its doors!

Bitterfeld-Böhlen in turmoil: Helios Clinic Zerbst will soon be closing its doors!

The closure of the Helios Clinic in Zerbst/Anhalt on December 19, 2025 is causing great excitement and consternation in the region. Around 270 employees were informed about the decision a few days ago. Emotional reactions are evident among employees and residents, especially given that no official reason was given for the closure. Yves Zelmanski, the works council chairman, criticized the state policy and called for more commitment from the state government to ensure medical care in the region, while the CDU state parliamentary group and the Left in the state parliament see the closure as an impending gap in basic medical care. That reported MDR.

It was already clear at the meeting that many employees are worried about their future. Zelmanski estimated that a total of about 300 workers will be affected, including cleaning staff and technicians. Discussions about alternative work opportunities at other Helios locations are already underway, but uncertainty remains.

Changes in emergency care

Helios announced that acute emergencies such as strokes, polytrauma and heart attacks will continue to be taken to surrounding hospitals. Emergency medical care should not change, which is a relief for many residents. However, there are concerns about the long-term impact on medical care, particularly given experiences in other regions. Examples like Genthin and Havelberg show that closed clinics are usually not reopened. This is a worrying trend like that kma explained in detail.

In addition, the privatization of the healthcare system is also discussed in the discussion about the closure. In recent years, this has led to increased discussion about the consequences for hospital care. The Medical Journal highlights that interventions in the hospital landscape are often influenced by economic considerations without leading to broader social debates.

Political reactions and future prospects

The political reactions to the closure are not only emotional but also strategic. Health Minister Petra Grimm-Benne emphasizes ensuring the supply structures, while District Administrator Andy Grabner calls for a viable solution and the preservation of existing offers. The Greens in the state parliament speak of a lack of transparency and advocate suspending the closure and examining alternative models.

In the city of Zerbst, many citizens are skeptical about the closure. The concerns not only affect the employees, but also the entire medical care infrastructure, which could be significantly weakened by the closure. Residents are demanding that politicians act faster and more decisively in order to preserve vital medical services. In this charged situation, it remains to be seen what steps those responsible will take to ensure supplies for the population in the future.