Through three powerful vigils, the coalition “Save St. Elisabeth Hospital” in Berlin sent a clear message calling for the reopening of the hospital in Salzgitter. Together with Mayor Frank Klingebiel and approximately 6,500 collected signatures, the coalition called on those in charge to reverse the disastrous closure scheduled for October 1, 2026.
The day was marked by mixed reactions:
Confrontation at the Elisabeth Vinzenz Verbund (EVV).
Outside the organization’s headquarters on Alarichstraße, the coalition encountered a shocking display of arrogance. A company spokesperson accepted the signatures with only a terse comment that “everything had already been said.” This attitude was met with deep incomprehension among the coalition members, as it fails to reflect the Christian values to which the organization is committed.
Mayor Klingebiel, angry and combative: “The management of the Catholic Elisabeth Vinzenz Association knowingly and willingly allowed our St. Elisabeth Hospital to file for bankruptcy on its own; yet, as the former owner and operator of the hospital, it denies any responsibility for the closure and continues to refuse any dialogue aimed at resolving this dramatic situation. Today, we have made it unmistakably and emphatically clear that we will not accept this highly unchristian and irresponsible evasion of responsibility. We will continue to hold the supervisory board and the shareholders of the Catholic Elisabeth Vinzenz Association, as well as the dignitaries of the Catholic Church, accountable.”
Willingness to engage in dialogue on the part of the Archdiocese of Berlin:
The Archbishop of Berlin, Dr. Heiner Koch, sent a clear message of hope. He personally approached the alliance and Mayor Frank Klingebiel. In an in-depth conversation, Klingebiel emphasized the Church’s social responsibility and urged the archbishop to use his influence with the EVV to save the site. Alliance spokesperson Mario Römer presented the 6,500 signatures, saying, “These are not just 6,500 names; they are 6,500 voices, 6,500 hopes, and 6,500 prayers for our emergency care.” Archbishop Koch expressed his gratitude, showed understanding for the demands, and assured them that he recognized the importance of the issue. Klingebiel and Römer invited the archbishop to a roundtable discussion in Salzgitter on October 30, 2026.
Disappointment outside the Federal Ministry of Health:
There was no direct dialogue in front of the ministry. A staff member collected the signatures, but a face-to-face meeting with Minister Dr. Linnemann did not take place. Mayor Klingebiel sharply criticized this: “The healthcare reform, which is driving small hospitals like St. Elisabeth Hospital into ruin, must not be negotiated behind closed doors while the public bears the consequences. We expect a reversal of this ‘misguided course’ and legislative changes as soon as possible to stabilize hospitals, including those in rural areas, and especially smaller but essential primary care facilities such as emergency care.”
Mario Römer, spokesperson for the coalition, summarizes:
“The nearly completed new building, which has received 35 million euros in funding, must not be allowed to remain a ghost building. We will continue to fight because our emergency care is not a cost-cutting measure. The fact that Archbishop Gehör has listened to us is a first step, but we demand real action—from both the Church and politicians. None of the parties involved should hide behind a limited liability company,” Römer continued.
The coalition announced that it will keep up the pressure until a viable solution is found for the people of Salzgitter.
