Psychiatry closure in Merzig: staff shortages cause chaos!

Psychiatry closure in Merzig: staff shortages cause chaos!

Dark clouds hang over the Green Circle: The inpatient psychiatric unit at the SHG-Klinikum Merzig will be temporarily closed from June 1st. This was confirmed by the clinic management after the announcement was made by the clinic's owners a few days ago. The main reason for the closure is serious staff shortages, which can no longer guarantee optimal patient care Saarbrücken newspaper reported.

With the closure, all psychiatric patients to be admitted as inpatients will go to Völklingen. Since the SHG clinic went bankrupt two years ago, beds have been gradually transferred to Völklingen. Now the last eight remaining beds are being added in Merzig, increasing the total number of places available in Völklingen to 20. This is seen as a temporary measure, but the circumstances show that the problems with the staffing situation have existed for a long time. Merzig Psychiatry has predominantly employed fee-based doctors for over two years, which has resulted in significant cost increases, reports S.R.

Reactions and outlook

The Ministry of Health was informed of the decision on Wednesday and is now calling for a quick solution to ensure care for mentally ill people. Health Minister Magnus Jung (SPD) emphasized the urgency of such measures, as adequate medical care nearby is essential for those affected. There have been repeated reports of shortages in recent months, and now the question arises as to how long the clinic can fulfill its care mandate. In the past, the hospital plan set an initial quota of 76 beds for the entire district.

The Merziger SHG Clinic has repeatedly found itself in financial difficulties. The bankruptcy filing in the summer of 2023 had far-reaching consequences, and the original plan to completely close obstetrics and psychiatric care was ultimately scrapped. Instead, they wanted to maintain a basic supply, which is now in serious danger.

• Schließung ab dem 1. Juni 2025
• Bettenübernahme nach Völklingen: insgesamt 20
• Problematische Personalsituation und hohe Kosten durch Honorar-Ärzte
• Gesundheitsministerium fordert schnelle Lösungen zur Patientenversorgung
• Finanzielle Schwierigkeiten der Klinik seit längerem bekannt

The closure of the inpatient psychiatric unit is seen by many as a worrying sign for the region's healthcare system. The loss of beds and specialized care underscores the challenges facing local health care providers and raises questions about future medical care in the region.