The politics in Friesland and Wilhelmshaven have taken a significant turn as local officials grapple with the feasibility study from WMC Healthcare GmbH, which recommends the construction of a central clinic while closing existing hospitals in Wilhelmshaven, Sanderbusch, and Varel. This complex issue has been under discussion for about a month, and on Wednesday morning, Sven Ambrosy, the District Administrator and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Friesland-Kliniken, along with Petra Hohmann, the Managing Director of Friesland-Kliniken, addressed the press to outline their plans.
Ambrosy emphasized the importance of a central clinic, which is envisioned as a maximum care provider with approximately 500 beds, set to be operational by 2036 according to the WMC report. He stated, "We are currently working on a joint information event for citizens in Friesland and Wilhelmshaven," indicating a commitment to transparency and public engagement as the project progresses.
The upcoming Kreistag session and the Ratssitzung in Wilhelmshaven are scheduled for July 2, 2025, where fundamental decisions regarding the new central clinic are expected to be made. Ambrosy highlighted the necessity of coordinating service groups between Friesland and Wilhelmshaven, which must be reported to the state by June 30, 2025. This coordination aims to ensure that no essential medical services are lost in the transition.
In the medium term, the plan involves merging both clinics into a joint GmbH, with the Nordwest-Krankenhaus in Sanderbusch designated as a surgical center and the Klinikum Wilhelmshaven as an internal medicine center. Long-term, the vision includes constructing the central clinic on a greenfield site, with an estimated cost of around 400 million euros. Hohmann reassured the public, stating, "There will be no standstill" during this transition, as investments will continue in the existing facilities.
As part of this ongoing transformation, the establishment of a geriatrics unit with about 40 beds at the Nordwest-Krankenhaus is already in planning, and a chief physician is set to start on September 1, 2025. Hohmann urged citizens to look beyond the potential losses associated with closing current hospitals, emphasizing the advantages the region could gain from a central clinic.
Both Ambrosy and Hohmann acknowledged the long and challenging journey ahead. The proposed central clinic aims to provide residents with access to top-tier medical care and modern infrastructure, positioning the region for future healthcare needs. The clinic is also expected to be an attractive employer, addressing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals.
Despite the ambitious plans, the road to the new central clinic is fraught with hurdles, including legal and logistical challenges. The existing hospitals must remain operational while the new facility is developed, and the financial implications are significant. Currently, the structural deficit of the clinics borne by the district of Friesland stands at around 25 million euros, a situation that has been exacerbated by the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two recent reports have outlined the future of the healthcare landscape in Friesland and Wilhelmshaven. One report focuses on the potential collaboration between the two clinics and recommends building a new facility at a yet-to-be-determined central location. The second report assesses the existing structures and the necessary renovations, suggesting the closure of St. Johannes Hospital in Varel and consolidating medical services in Sanderbusch.
As the discussions progress, there is an urgent need to determine which services will be offered at each facility. Ambrosy noted, "Now it’s about optimally coordinating the service groups to avoid losing any important medical offerings and to become a maximum care provider." This strategic planning is crucial to ensure that the healthcare needs of the community are met during the transition.
The political landscape surrounding this initiative is also evolving. The major factions within the Kreistag have expressed their support for moving towards a central clinic, underscoring the political will to see this project through. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the timeline for closing existing hospitals and what the future holds for the old hospital buildings.
Ambrosy has made it clear that the demand for public consultations or referendums on the fundamental decisions regarding the hospital structure has been excluded by law. He stated, "We will apply for all service groups that we currently have, including gynecology and obstetrics, which are currently covered by Varel for the Friesland Kliniken." A political decision on this matter is expected on July 2, 2025.
As the community prepares for the upcoming public information event, the focus remains on ensuring that the transition to a central clinic is smooth and beneficial for all residents. The commitment from local leaders to maintain open lines of communication with the public is a crucial element in fostering trust and support for this significant healthcare transformation.
In summary, the ambitious plan for a central clinic in Friesland and Wilhelmshaven represents a strategic move towards modernizing healthcare in the region. While challenges lie ahead, the commitment from local officials to address community needs and ensure a high standard of medical care remains strong. As the project unfolds, the collaboration between the two municipalities will be key to realizing this vision and securing the future of healthcare services for residents.
