Malteser in Deutschland reduces hospital operations

Malteser in Deutschland announced on October 31, 2019, a strategic realignment of its healthcare services, including a reduction in acute hospital operations. The organization will concentrate on its "Living and Care" sector while seeking new ownership for six of its eight acute hospitals and associated facilities.

The decision stems from structural challenges within Germany's healthcare system, characterized by inadequate reimbursements and insufficient investment support. According to Malteser, these factors make it difficult to maintain cost-effective operations and fund necessary infrastructure upgrades at all locations. The organization aims to conclude discussions with potential new owners, who must be experienced German healthcare providers, by the first quarter of 2020.

Despite these changes, the expansion of the Flensburg hospital site, a joint project with the Evangelisch-Lutherische Diakonieanstalt zu Flensburg, will proceed as planned. The acute hospital in Erlangen, acquired two years ago, will remain under Malteser's ownership, as will the Fachklinik für Naturheilverfahren in Bad Brückenau. The hospitals slated for potential transfer are located in Bonn, Cologne, Duisburg, Krefeld, Görlitz, and Kamenz.

Malteser will continue to operate its extensive network of 34 residential care and nursing facilities, maintaining a focus on elder care services. This sector is seen as a growing priority due to Germany's aging population, with Malteser offering specialized care for conditions such as geropsychiatric issues, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and palliative care.

The restructuring also involves a change in leadership. Gerhard Becker is stepping down as managing director for hospital operations but will remain as an advisor to Malteser. Karl Prinz zu Löwenstein, general plenipotentiary, highlighted the need for these changes to ensure the long-term provision of high-quality medical and nursing care.