Clinic in Wittstock about to close: Ministry promises replacement care

Clinic in Wittstock about to close: Ministry promises replacement care

On September 11, 2025, Brandenburg Health Minister Britta Müller will comment on the relocation of health services in the Ostprignitz-Ruppin region, in particular the impending closure of the hospital in Wittstock. Müller emphasizes that the current legal situation speaks against maintaining the clinic and that comprehensive care in the region is not at risk. Even in the current situation, patients with acute illnesses such as strokes and accidents have to be transferred to other clinics, as the facility in Wittstock only offers special medical care, particularly in cardiology and gastroenterology. Müller explains that the hospital cannot continue to operate with an exemption and that the provider, KMG Kliniken Nordbrandenburg, is planning better care at the new location in Pritzwalk.

In order to secure long-term health care in the region, the state of Brandenburg is investing 460 million euros from a special federal fund. The planned measures include the construction of medical care centers and polyclinics, also in Wittstock. The aim is to ensure emergency care in the region, while KMG Kliniken Nordbrandenburg wants to close the Wittstock location on January 1, 2027. The areas of cardiology and gastroenterology will be relocated to Pritzwalk.

Future of the hospital and public mobilization

Mayor Philipp Wacker presented two petitions with over 20,000 signatures to the state parliament for the preservation of the hospital and has announced a round table with everyone involved at the end of September. The future of the Wittstock hospital location was discussed in a conversation with Minister Müller in Potsdam. The minister made it clear that Wittstock should not disappear from Brandenburg's supply map. Changes in inpatient services should only occur if new forms of care are created to ensure that emergency care remains guaranteed over the long term.

It is particularly important that the state government recognizes the need for improvements at the federal level for rural locations. Minister Müller emphasizes that the current version of the legislation is viewed as inadequate. The exchange about future solutions in Wittstock is also supported by the active participation of the Ministry of Health in the round table.

Reform of the healthcare system in Brandenburg

The background to the discussion is the Hospital Care Improvement Act (KHVVG), which changes the basis for hospital planning in Brandenburg. From July 31, 2025, hospitals in Brandenburg can apply for service groups in order to meet the new requirements of the hospital reform. The new state hospital plan is scheduled to be finalized by the end of 2026.

In this context, regional conferences are held with the participation of all relevant actors, as well as the association of statutory health insurance physicians and municipalities, in order to transparently inform citizens about the continuation of the hospital reform. The aim of this reform is to create needs-based solutions in the healthcare system in order to promote citizens' trust and strengthen their sense of security. However, changes in healthcare create fear and uncertainty, so clear and transparent communication is of the utmost importance. The last regional conference took place in autumn 2023, and in 2024 there were numerous dialogue forums on outpatient and inpatient capacities.

The coming months will be crucial for medical care in Wittstock and the surrounding region, as discussions and planning to reform the healthcare system in Brandenburg continue to advance.

For a more detailed insight into the situation, we refer to the reporting by rbb24, the announcement from the Ministry of Health, Care and Equality at mgs.brandenburg.de as well as information about the implementation of the hospital reform mgs.brandenburg.de.