Dessau-Roßlau: Hospital Financing and Reforms in Health Policy

Economic Consolidation and Reforms at the Dessau-Roßlauer Hospital

In February 2026, the Works Council of the Dessau Municipal Hospital (SKD) intensively addressed the hospital's economic future. After years of deficits and an extensive consolidation strategy, investments, personnel planning, and reforms were at the center of the discussion. Against the backdrop of the Saxony-Anhalt hospital reform and the increasing demands on the financing and structure of inpatient and outpatient care, Dessau-Roßlau has taken decisive steps.

The Path to Financial Consolidation

Since 2021, the SKD has incurred significant deficits, which could be financed by reserves until 2023. In 2023, the city of Dessau-Roßlau had to make up a shortfall of 30.6 million euros. To stabilize the financial situation, the hospital commissioned the ZEQ AG in 2024 to conduct a strategic review. The results led to a comprehensive restructuring, which was concretized in February 2026 in the decision on the revised 2026 economic plan.

Central to the plan were process optimizations, a reduction in material and personnel costs, and investments in digital infrastructure. Since the second quarter of 2025, the new management has implemented measures, including a cash credit line of 66 million euros to ensure flexibility in financial planning. In addition, funding from the Hospital Future Fund is being used to advance investments in medical technology, digitization, and infrastructure.

Staff Development and Labor Shortages

The 2026 economic plan provides for an increase of 65.12 full-time equivalents, mainly in the nursing and administrative departments. The reason is the increasing demand for qualified personnel, driven by the Nursing Staff Allocation Ordinance and demographic change. At the same time, the shortage of skilled labor remains a challenge: Many positions remain unfilled, and staffing is difficult due to labor shortages.

To replenish staffing needs, the SKD relies on the nursing budget and optimizes the use of overtime and the reduction of temporary workers. At the same time, digitization is seen as a key to increasing productivity – for example, through digital medication management or the electronic patient file.

Hospital Structure Reform and Outpatient Care

The Saxony-Anhalt hospital reform, especially the Hospital Care Improvement Act (KHVVG), is changing the financing and structure of hospitals. The SKD plans to maintain its range of services but to expand it deliberately. In particular, outpatient care is being strengthened – for example, through the emergency outpatient clinic or outpatient operations. At the same time, inpatient care is being optimized to become more competitive through increased efficiency.

Another focus is the development of "CarePath" process models, which make the patient treatment process more transparent and efficient. In addition, a "Health Advisor" concept is being pursued for the Dessau-Roßlau region to position the SKD as a central provider of preventive and coordinated health services.

Termination of the Steering Committee – A Step Toward Independence

With the dissolution of the steering committee in February 2026, a phase of external support for the restructuring measures came to an end. The steering committee had originally been established to support the consolidation of the former hospital management. With the change in management and the positive development of the financial situation, the steering committee was no longer necessary. Its dissolution saves resources and shows that the Works Council can now implement the consolidation measures independently.

Outlook: Digitization, Investments, and Regional Care

The next few years will be decisive for the future of the SKD. The planned investments in digitization, medical technology, and infrastructure are a central component. In addition, the planned expansion of operating room capacities, the modernization of laboratories, and the establishment of an institute and teaching building on campus are important for the long-term stability of the hospital.

At the same time, the SKD will play a key role as part of the regional health care system – especially through the development of key account structures, the strengthening of outpatient care, and the expansion of public relations. The reforms show that Dessau-Roßlau is ready to actively meet the challenges of health policy.