Church announces closure of Groß-Sand Hospital to employees - Wilhelmsburg's Groß-Sand Hospital to close permanently by June 2026
Groß-Sand Hospital in Wilhelmsburg will close its doors for good on June 30. The Catholic Archdiocese of Hamburg announced the decision, citing ongoing uncertainty in hospital planning. Employees were informed of the shutdown this week, marking the end of a facility that once served hundreds of patients daily. The hospital's decline began last year when its surgery and emergency departments were shut down. Since then, patient numbers have plummeted, with only around 40 people receiving care in recent weeks. The Archdiocese pointed to healthcare reforms and unstable planning as key reasons for the full closure.
Originally, geriatric care and neurological early rehabilitation were meant to stay in Wilhelmsburg before moving later this year. However, the Archdiocese now states that all remaining services will end by June 30, 2026. The city of Hamburg had previously announced plans to buy the hospital site and turn it into a neighbourhood clinic. Sale negotiations are still underway, but the Archdiocese has signalled support for the proposal. Meanwhile, efforts are focused on securing a social plan to protect the jobs of the 350 remaining staff.
The closure leaves Wilhelmsburg without a major healthcare facility, though the city's clinic plans may fill part of the gap. Employees now face an uncertain future, with negotiations over job security still in progress. The final shutdown date remains fixed for the end of June next year.
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