Following an extensive analysis process, the Department of Health, Social Affairs and Integration of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg has now published the Preliminary Report on the Drafting of a New Hospital Plan, prepared by ‘aktiva Beratung im Gesundheitswesen GmbH’ (see the Department of Social Affairs’ website). The report serves to prepare for a data-driven implementation of hospital reform in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. It provides a sound basis for the allocation of service groups and case numbers in somatic care and beds in psychiatric specialities, as well as for possible adjustments to the current healthcare landscape that may become necessary in the future as a result of new federal legislation. The aim is to align the future care structure with the changed framework conditions and to ensure needs-based hospital planning, taking into account the new funding and quality requirements.
As part of the preliminary report, the healthcare provision situation and the utilisation of inpatient and day-care capacities in Hamburg were analysed in detail. Relevant factors influencing demand, as well as future demand, were calculated and assessed. The analyses carried out are based in particular on the service data from Hamburg’s hospitals in accordance with Section 21 of the Hospital Remuneration Act (KHEntgG) for the year 2023. In addition, they draw on data from the Hamburg Social Welfare Authority as well as publicly available data (e.g. from the federal and state statistical offices). Furthermore, extensive information on existing and planned structures at Hamburg’s hospital sites, as well as medical experts’ assessments of the development of individual specialist fields, was gathered through surveys. In addition to the section of the report now published, further topics were addressed and documents prepared for the Hamburg Social Welfare Authority, which, amongst other things, formed the basis for initial discussions with hospital operators and will serve as a basis for decision-making for the Social Welfare Authority in the further process of implementing the hospital reform.