- The Sternbach-Clinic denies allegations of impending closure
After the announcement in late July that the struggling Sternbach Clinic in Schleiz would shut down permanently, the administration has dismissed allegations of deceptive practices towards politics. "It's common knowledge that we've been grappling with serious financial shortcomings within the German healthcare sector," the statement explains. Political representatives are currently seeking to pin the blame on someone before the election campaign reaches its climax, a scenario the clinic management finds hard to believe.
The management had been informing politics about the clinic's financial struggles since the end of 2023. At that time, they highlighted the mounting losses that could only be offset with external assistance. The accusations that followed the constructive collaboration with the Ministry of Health are confusing, considering the open communication.
Closure scheduled for end of August
The clinic announced a week prior that it would have to close its doors at the end of August due to financial instability. Despite vigorous efforts, no financial partner could be found for cooperation or takeover. The hospital is currently hemorrhaging funds and has been in bankruptcy proceedings since June's end.
County Commissioner Christian Herrgott (CDU) criticized the clinic's management for failing to disclose the dire economic situation for an extended period. Health Minister Heike Werner (Left) expressed sadness over the closure and cited the state's attempts to save the clinic. Ultimately, however, no buyer was found due to the clinic's dismal finances and internal carrier issues. In this case, it was not the state government's commitment that fell short, but rather the flawed financing scheme of the federal government and the clinic's internal difficulties.
Impact on patients and staff
Thus, the final patient was discharged on Monday, marking the cessation of patient treatment. At the time of announcement, approximately 50 patients were hospitalized for long-term treatment. One critical care patient was transferred to a nearby hospital a week prior, while the remaining patients were released and transferred to their homes or for further treatment. The approximately 190 employees will be let go by the end of the month, many of whom already have time off due to vacation accumulation. The management plans to host a recruitment day on Thursday.
Germany has been facing significant financial challenges in its healthcare sector, as mentioned in the statement by the clinic's administration. Despite the clinic in Schleiz, Germany, informing politics about its financial struggles since the end of 2023, it was unable to find a financial partner or buyer due to its dire financial situation and internal difficulties.
