Berlin's Klinikum Westend to Close Pediatric Surgery Department in February

The closure aligns with upcoming hospital reform standards, raising questions about the impact on smaller facilities and patient care.

The DRK Kliniken announced the closure of the pediatric surgery department at Klinikum Westend by the end of February 2025.
Hospital officials cited challenges in meeting the new federal standards for staffing and technology required by the 2025 hospital reform.
The reform aims to reduce financial strain on hospitals by introducing stricter specialization and funding criteria, but it has sparked concerns about access to care.
Berlin's health administration stated that pediatric care in the city remains secure and plans to discuss options with the hospital's management in the coming weeks.
The reform is expected to lead to the consolidation or closure of smaller hospitals, with larger facilities like Charité potentially gaining more patients.