Aschaffenburg Hospital: 44 million euro deficit - what now?

Aschaffenburg Hospital: 44 million euro deficit - what now?

Things seem to be turbulent at the Aschaffenburg-Alzenau Clinic at the moment. Loud primavera24 The institution expects a considerable deficit of 40 million euros for the current year. To make matters worse, an additional loss of 1.2 million euros was found in the annual financial statements. The financing of these additional costs continues to be a source of discussion, as both the city and the district have to cover half of them. However, a final decision on joint assumption of costs is still pending.

The situation could come to a head in the district council as there are considerations about reducing the district levy. The total deficit for the year is currently estimated to be around 44 million euros. However, the association hopes to keep the financial burden under control through budget negotiations and compensation for tariff costs and not to exceed 40 million euros.

Return to the municipal collective agreement

Another important point is the staffing situation in the clinic. How BR.de reports, the clinic has decided to remain in the municipal employers' association. This decision was announced by District Administrator Alexander Legler (CSU) and Mayor Jürgen Herzing (SPD) as well as the clinic management. The aim is to reduce uncertainty among employees and to sustainably improve working conditions, particularly with regard to the temporary employment of employees.

The clinic management's suggestions on this will soon be discussed at a staff meeting on September 19th. The Marburger Bund Bayern welcomes the return to the collective agreement, but criticizes the information policy of the clinic management and calls for more involvement of trade unions and social partners. An application from the SPD district council group to rejoin the employers' association has also been submitted. This issue will be discussed intensively in the district council next Monday.

Challenges in healthcare

The clinic's financial difficulties are part of a larger problem in the German health system. Loud bpb.de Health spending in Germany amounted to 498 billion euros in 2022, which accounts for 12.8% of gross domestic product (GDP). Germany is one of the lowest places in the world when it comes to spending per capita, after costs have only increased due to the Corona crisis. The increase in expenses primarily affects statutory health insurance, which accounts for around 53% of total expenses.

The financial conditions for clinics are tense, which is also evident in the Aschaffenburg Clinic. In recent times there have been repeated discussions about the funding gap and the efficiency of spending. In order to reduce the 40 million euro deficit, the clinic's managing director Sebastian Lehotzki is planning comprehensive measures that will be presented to the district council. What exactly these will look like remains to be seen, because the challenges in healthcare are diverse and require creative solutions.