Mayor Frank Klingebiel issued the following statement on behalf of the “Save St. Elisabeth Hospital” coalition:

“We cannot—and do not want to—accept this yet! All of our coalition’s activities, behind-the-scenes discussions, and proposals for the hospital’s continued operation—as well as our upcoming roundtable on October 30, 2026, with Health Minister Dr. Philippi and Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Marahrens—are being categorically ignored by the EVV. This is a slap in the face to the staff and the citizens! As mayor, but also as a Christian, I am personally deeply affected and, above all, angry.”

The representatives of our coalition, who have been fighting vehemently for the hospital for weeks and were personally informed of the impending closure this noon by the general representative and the trustee at City Hall in Lebenstedt, are thinking of the staff during these difficult times.

The general representative and the administrator reported that, following intensive negotiations, the last remaining prospective buyer pulled out at the end of last week and that, despite our coalition’s efforts—most recently last Wednesday in Hanover and Hildesheim— —continues to—in the Alliance’s view, “coldly”—reject any proposed solution.

In response, the Alliance urgently calls on EVV and its Catholic owners to avert this plant closure by midnight tonight. This deadline is set under insolvency law and, according to statements by the general representative and the trustee, is indispensable in light of looming personal liability issues.

Update as of Tuesday, September 29: There has been no response from the EVV.

Regardless, we as an alliance will continue to express our displeasure at the EVV’s irresponsible behavior and the misguided federal policy of centralizing hospital services.