Future of the clinics: District council decides on health association!

Future of the clinics: District council decides on health association!

In Central Saxony, the Freiberg and Mittweida clinics are the focus in order to make fundamental changes that will ensure local medical care in the long term. In a recent announcement, District Administrator Sven Krüger proposed the establishment of an “integrated health network” in order to strengthen both inpatient and outpatient care. This proposal, which will be submitted to the district council for decision on December 3rd, is a response to the difficult conditions that German clinics are currently facing, such as increased costs and inadequate remuneration, reports the Central Saxony district website.

Those responsible want to “send a clear signal” in order to inform both employees and the population about the desired reforms. Initial information about the plans has already been conveyed at numerous meetings. Clear communication is crucial to building trust and promoting acceptance of the upcoming changes. Neither staff reductions nor job cuts are part of the plan; rather, cooperation between the two clinic locations is intended to be intensified.

Perspectives for the future

The desired better integration of medical services not only includes improving existing structures, but also expanding innovative care concepts. The new Level 1i clinics, which are to be introduced by the Hospital Care Improvement Act (KHVVG), are important here. These are intended to offer a transitional solution between outpatient and inpatient care, especially in rural regions. With 20 to 40 beds, a small operating center and a 24/7 contact point for emergencies, they could ensure essential basic care without maintaining the classic hospital structure, as the Ärzteblatt explains.

Interdisciplinary teams and a modern digital infrastructure are planned for the new facilities, which include, among other things, telemedical consultations and electronic patient files. The financing of these projects is to be secured through the hospital transformation fund. However, these developments are not without challenges, particularly in relation to the lack of long-term financing models and the shortage of skilled workers in rural areas. Therefore, many skilled workers rely on stable career opportunities and flexible working models in order to meet increasing demands.

An active contribution to healthcare

The clinic locations in Freiberg, with 335 beds and around 970 employees, and Mittweida, with 195 beds and around 800 employees, represent an important part of health care in the region. The envisaged changes are intended to help strengthen the resilience of these facilities to upcoming hospital reforms. The planned measures to promote the professional development of doctors, which, among other things, require interdisciplinary work and organizational skills, could also increase the attractiveness of the professional field.

At a time when the hospital landscape across Germany is changing, it is even more important that the voices of political decision-makers are heard and a clear direction is taken. The population is invited to take part in this process and find out about developments - because there is something happening in our region!