Central emergency outpatient clinic in Varel concludes: What is coming now?

Central emergency outpatient clinic in Varel concludes: What is coming now?

Varel, Deutschland - The central emergency clinic of the St. Johannes Hospital in Varel has counted its hours! On December 1st, the closure of this important facility will be made - a decision that the Frisian district council made with an overwhelming majority. The reason? High operating costs with low demand at the same time. In times when the financial situation of Friesland-Kliniken gGmbH is tense, this is a radical step to save money quickly.

But hope dies last: the decision leaves a small back door open. A renewed assessment based on the PWC report and an upcoming feasibility study to work with the Wilhelmshaven Clinic could possibly undo the closure. But is that just a vague dream? The future of the St. Johannes Hospital hangs in the suspension.

The "1f scenario" and its challenges

In December 2023, the "1F scenario" was launched, which provides for the strengthening of gynecology and obstetrics as well as the establishment of an outpatient surgery in Varel. The emergency ambulance should be preserved, but the reality looks different. The other inpatient services are relocated to the Northwest Hospital Sanderbusch, and the inner department of the St. Johannes had to close due to an acute lack of doctors. According to an economic consultation, the scenario "unity"-the closure of the St. Johannes-promises more economic success.

The financial problems of the clinics are more serious than predicted. The district must pump millions into the clinics to maintain medical care, but District Administrator Sven Ambrosy warns that this is not sustainable in the long run. The federal hospital reform could bring long-term improvements, but implementation takes years. In the meantime, the district of Friesland is planning a feasibility study in cooperation with Wilhelmshaven, which is intended to clarify how health care in the region can be re -established. The results of this study should be available by Easter 2025 and could be crucial for the future of the clinics.