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Wittstock defends itself: Over 20,000 signatures received for the hospital!
Mayor Wacker presents 20,000 signatures for the preservation of the Wittstock Hospital while the state parliament deliberates on September 24th.
Wittstock defends itself: Over 20,000 signatures received for the hospital!
In Wittstock/Dosse, a town in Brandenburg, the announcement of the closure of the local hospital is making waves. More than 20,000 citizens have signed two petitions to preserve the facility. Mayor Philipp Wacker (CDU) handed over the collected signatures to Jouleen Gruhn, Vice President of the Brandenburg State Parliament. This presentation took place as part of a public event that demonstrated the citizens' commitment to their hospital. According to rbb24, the state parliament plenary session will deal with these petitions on September 24th.
The petitions include, among other things, a collection of signatures from 3,553 votes for the preservation of the hospital location as well as an online petition from the “Wittstock shows face” association, which received 16,818 votes. However, the KMG Clinics North Brandenburg have already announced that the location will be closed on January 1, 2027. This is done in accordance with the requirements of the federal hospital reform, which aims for far-reaching changes in the health sector. Cardiology and gastroenterology are planning to relocate to the Pritzwalk Clinic.
The effects of hospital reform
The decision to close the hospital is not only a financial problem, but also a health policy problem. Citizens and politicians are expressing concerns about future emergency care in Brandenburg's largest city in terms of area. CDU parliamentary group leader Jan Redmann is committed to preserving the hospital and is committed to ensuring that the clinic remains open beyond January 1, 2027. The Brandenburg Health Minister Britta Müller (independent, for BSW) has also spoken out in favor of the continued existence of the location in this context.
Viewed in a broader context, the response to the closure announcement shows the importance of local hospitals. These facilities are not only medical contact points, but also part of people's emotional ties to their homeland. As mgs.brandenburg.de explains, the reform is intended to create needs-based solutions that strengthen citizens' trust. Changes in the healthcare system often lead to fear and uncertainty, which is why transparent communication about the change is essential.
Future prospects for the healthcare system
The Brandenburg Ministry of Health is therefore planning to closely involve all healthcare players in the reform process. Regional conferences have already been held with hospital authorities, the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and various municipalities in order to make the next steps transparent. The last of these conferences took place in fall 2023, and the next sessions are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.
In addition, the SPD/BSW coalition intends to maintain all hospital locations, even if they do not necessarily have to continue to operate as clinics. The focus is on closer collaboration between hospitals and doctors' practices in order to improve overall healthcare.
The citizens of Wittstock/Dosse remain vigilant and engaged during this time, while the fate of their hospital remains a crucial part of the political discussion.