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Hesse leads Germany’s hospital reform with bold flexibility demands

Why Hesse’s proactive stance could redefine Germany’s healthcare system. The state’s early moves aim to shield hospitals from uncertainty amid sweeping reforms.

In the image there is a building, it looks like some hospital and in front of the building there...
In the image there is a building, it looks like some hospital and in front of the building there are few vehicles and trees and also a fencing.

Hesse leads Germany’s hospital reform with bold flexibility demands

Hesse has taken a leading role in shaping Germany’s hospital reform, pushing for greater flexibility and legal clarity. The state’s health minister, Stefan Stolz, stressed the need for swift implementation while calling for adjustments to better support hospitals during the transition.

Hesse contributed key proposals during federal coalition talks, drawing on insights from its own healthcare conferences. These efforts helped shape the Hospital Reform Adjustment Act, which Stolz described as addressing core demands from the states.

The state also launched an early application process for hospital performance groups. This move aimed to give facilities legal and planning certainty before final regulations were set. Stolz underlined the importance of stability for hospitals as reforms take effect.

Alongside Hesse, Bavaria, Schleswig-Holstein, and Baden-Württemberg have all pushed for more flexibility in the reform process. Stolz proposed extending transitional periods for hospital renovations and revising how hospital locations are defined. These changes, he argued, would better align with patient care needs.

From the start, Hesse supported the reform constructively. The state ensured decisive measures were included in the coalition agreement, reinforcing its commitment to a workable system.

The Hospital Reform Adjustment Act now reflects several state demands, but Stolz insists further improvements are needed. His focus remains on ensuring hospitals receive the certainty and flexibility required to adapt smoothly. The next steps will depend on how quickly federal law is put into practice.

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