Closure of the Wittstock Clinic: Citizens fight for their health!

Closure of the Wittstock Clinic: Citizens fight for their health!

On November 20, 2025, Brandenburg Health Minister Britta Müller commented on the planned closure of the hospital in Wittstock, located in the Ostprignitz-Ruppin district. Despite legitimate concerns about health care in the region, she made it clear that the current legal situation speaks against maintaining the clinic. Müller emphasized that nationwide supply was not at risk. To illustrate this point, she referred to the existing situation in which Wittstock was already unable to provide basic services; Patients suffering from strokes or accidents have to be transferred to other cities.

The clinic in Wittstock currently mainly offers specialized treatments in cardiology and gastroenterology. Müller explained that it was not possible to continue operations through an exception. The clinic's sponsor, KMG Kliniken Nordbrandenburg, plans to relocate the affected departments to Pritzwalk. Investments totaling 460 million euros are planned from a special federal fund to ensure comprehensive health care.

Perspectives for Wittstock

During a conversation between Minister Müller and Mayor Dr. Philipp Wacker was also discussed the future of the Wittstock hospital location and the planned closure on January 1, 2027. The Ministry of Health's goal is to ensure reliable local medical care, even in the face of comprehensive hospital reform. Müller sought support in planning and emphasized that Wittstock should not disappear from Brandenburg's supply map. The creation of new forms of care is essential before inpatient offers are adapted.

In order to find possible solutions, the minister announced a round table that will take place towards the end of September. All relevant actors should come together there to develop viable models. During a meeting in the state parliament, Mayor Wacker handed over two petitions with over 20,000 signatures calling for the clinic to be preserved. These strong citizens' initiatives underline the existential importance of medical care for the region, especially since Wittstock is not classified as a safeguard hospital.

Need for reform

The hospital reform in Brandenburg aims to create needs-based solutions in the healthcare system in order to promote the trust of citizens. Changes in healthcare often lead to fear and uncertainty, which is why transparent communication about the upcoming changes is crucial. Numerous measures are planned that provide for closer integration of all actors in the health sector. Regional conferences have already been held in recent months, attended by representatives of various interest groups, in order to advance the hospital planning process.

From July 31, 2025, hospitals in Brandenburg will have the opportunity to apply for service groups. These innovations are part of the background of the Hospital Care Improvement Act, which redefines the basis of hospital planning. It is expected that the new state hospital plan will be finalized by the end of 2026, although there is still a need for improvement at the federal level for rural locations. Overall, the reform is intended to ensure emergency care in the region and at the same time sustainably improve medical care.