The North Rhine-Westphalian Hospital Association (KGNW) is warning about the negative consequences of the planned healthcare reforms. According to KGNW President Ingo Morell, the government’s austerity measures have led to the closure of maternity wards and pediatric units.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” (Thursday edition), Morell stated that the spending cuts mean hospitals face an eight percent reduction in their previously earned revenue. He noted that nationally, 75 percent of hospitals are already operating at a loss. Consequently, hospitals are forced to conduct precise financial assessments, and he warned that maternity services and pediatric departments are particularly at risk if they are running a deficit.
The economic operation of these specific areas is particularly difficult because the case-based payment system prioritizes volume. However, many hospitals lack sufficient births to meet the targets of this system. Previously, many clinics sub-sidized maternity services, but this is no longer possible, even when the region urgently needs access to obstetric care.
Morell further fears that the distance to the nearest children’s hospital will increase. He explained that most pediatric hospitals experience severe seasonal fluctuations: in autumn and winter, they are full of small patients suffering from respiratory issues like RSV, while they are significantly less utilized in the summer. The overhead costs, however, remain constant. This structure poses a growing threat of pediatric department closures, which would extend travel times for parents.
The KGNW president appealed to the federal states to halt the reform put forward by Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) in the Bundesrat. He urged the states to recognize the critical situation facing many hospitals and to push for necessary amendments to the reform within the Bundesrat.
