However, the structural infrastructure of the current hospital building does not allow the implementation of modern care concepts. "In the new ownership structure, we have succeeded in presenting the state of Lower Saxony with a convincing medical and care concept for St. Elisabeth Hospital Salzgitter. We are delighted with the result and the positive funding approval". St. Elisabeth Krankenhaus-Salzgitter has been part of the Elisabeth Vinzenz Verbund (EVV) based in Berlin since 2017 and will continue to maintain and expand easily accessible medical care in the southern Salzgitter/Wolfenbüttel area in the future with the new construction planning in the association, especially in close cooperation with St. Bernward Hospital in Hildesheim.
The new operator's medical and care concept has been very closely monitored and supported from the outset by Mayor Klingebiel and members of the state parliament Bosse and Klein. Klingebiel: "Good things come to those who wait! For years, I have been fighting with the council and the local members of the state parliament not only for the preservation of St. Elisabeth Hospital, but also for its sustainable further development. It has been a long and rocky road that has demanded a great deal of commitment, persuasion, suffering and patience from everyone involved - especially the employees. But in the end, this feat was worth it! I am overjoyed that together we were able to reach this landmark decision, which is so important for Salzgitter in terms of structural policy."
Bosse adds: "This preliminary decision is an extremely pleasing signal in the direction of the new building, which shows that the work of recent years has definitely paid off. I am convinced that the new building and thus the long-term preservation of St. Elisabeth Hospital is absolutely necessary."
"EVV has believed in the future of the site from the very beginning," says Olaf Klok, Managing Director of the Elisabeth Vinzenz Association, which brings together innovative hospitals, medical care centers, retirement homes and other facilities with Catholic roots. "In a joint effort with the city and politicians, we were able to convince them that smaller hospitals can also take on an essential role in needs-based and sustainable healthcare in network structures and thus continue to be justified. Not only the state, but also the Elisabeth Vinzenz Association are investing a considerable amount of money and human resources as a clear commitment to Salzgitter as a location and are assuming responsibility in the region."
Looking ahead, much has already been achieved this year. The first announced new specialist positions on the campus have already been filled. At the "MVZ St. Elisabeth" medical care center, there is a new specialist offering in neurology and paediatrics (paediatrics). On July 1, 2018, the range of cardiology services will be further expanded with a resident cardiologist. The joint use of the healthcare location is also developing positively. On August 1, 2018, an external nursing service will commence operations on site, followed by a medical supply store in 2019.
As already announced in the medical concept, the areas of internal medicine, surgery and gynaecology are to be maintained and expanded in the new replacement building. In internal medicine, the focus on gastroenterology will be significantly strengthened this year. On September 1, 2018, Sharif Daudi will take over as the new Head Physician of the Gastroenterology Clinic. As a specialist in internal medicine with a focus on gastroenterology, Daudi brings a high level of expertise to Salzgitter-Bad. This will benefit patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, acute and chronic diseases of the liver, bile ducts and in particular the pancreas, as well as chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.
The new replacement building at St. Elisabeth-Krankenhaus Salzgitter is thus taking shape. The building application will be submitted in the second half of this year, work will continue on cross-location concepts and the future design of the campus will be discussed with the city's health, urban development and environment committees. This also includes possible subsequent use models for the old building.
