Clinic Dresden fights with deficit: restructuring and digitization in sight!

Clinic Dresden fights with deficit: restructuring and digitization in sight!

In the Dresden municipal clinic, the situation comes to a head: the finances are on the brink, and like many other hospitals in Germany, this also faces serious challenges. According to a report by MDR , the clinic has been deficit between 11 and 12 million euros every year since 2018 and 2019. The clinic management therefore plans extensive restructuring and also relies on digitization to contain the financial losses.

Commercial director Dirk Köcher said in an interview that around 80 percent of the clinics in Germany write losses. "We were able to keep our economic situation stable, but we are forced to take proactive measures," says Köcher. The planned measures include the increase in efficiency in processes, optimization of internal processes and a smarter handling of service providers.

necessary digitization steps

A central point in the considerations of the clinic is digitization. According to a study by PwC , many German hospitals have difficulties to estimate the costs for future digitization projects. The unpredictable regulatory requirements and the fragmentation of the financing system make it hardly possible to set up realistic forecasts.

The deficit in the Dresden Clinic is not only homemade, but is also favored by external factors. High inflation and the systematics of hospital financing ensure that many clinics are missing around 4 to 4.5 percent of their revenues nationwide. For the Dresden Clinic, this means a structural deficit of around 15 to 16 million euros, according to MDR. The focus is now on achieving a better supply quality through a stronger ambulatoryation and reducing classic inpatient structures.

strategic realignment

The clinic management relies on a structural realignment that combines the fields across the location under a medical management. A clear plan should help to surgically reach "at least one black zero" and to enable the clinic to only have to speak to the city of Dresden about funding for investments for investments.

But the challenges are not small: according to Kma Digitization in hospitals. In the long term, however, first -class digital models could help improve the quality of the treatment and possibly open up new sources of income. But this requires resources and time - not an easy balancing act in times when the costs have an overwhelming effect.

Overall, it remains to be seen whether the restructuring measures and digital change bring the hoped -for success. However, it is clear that the need for further development, especially with regard to digital transformation, is greater than ever. The municipal clinic in Dresden has a lot at stake and now has to set the course for the future.