SHG shows interest: Geriatrics from Mettlach should move to Merzig!

SHG shows interest: Geriatrics from Mettlach should move to Merzig!

The future of the DRK clinic in Mettlach is in jeopardy as the clinic management has been looking for a new provider for several months. On Tuesday, a potential investor withdrew, further exacerbating the tense situation. On Wednesday, Saarland-Heilstätten GmbH (SHG) showed interest in taking over geriatrics, which is viewed as an excellent addition to the Merzig clinic location, according to SHG managing director Oliver Adolph. However, the SHG cannot take over the rehabilitation facility or the attached retirement home in Mettlach.

The Saarland Ministry of Health has not yet become involved in the negotiation process, but is positive about an application to take over the care. This could be a relief for those affected, as medical care in northern Saarland is becoming increasingly problematic. The Merzig-Wadern district, which acts as a partial shareholder, supports the takeover plans, while District Administrator Daniela Schlegel-Friedrich (CDU) emphasizes the importance of geriatrics for the financing of the clinic.

Consequences of an investor's withdrawal

Health Minister Magnus Jung (SPD) regrets the investor's withdrawal and would have preferred all departments to continue at their current location. The situation is particularly critical because the SHG-Merzig closed the obstetrics service at the end of 2023; The Marienhaus Clinic had also announced this measure in September 2024. The withdrawal of the previous sponsor, the DRK, has further increased the existing challenges for the clinic.

The DRK Clinic in Mettlach specializes in rehabilitation measures and the treatment of acute geriatric illnesses. The clinic reported a large number of cases treated, including 118 gait and mobility disorders and 104 cases of immobility. Other common diagnoses included delirium and heart failure, highlighting the need for specialized geriatric care. Given the impending takeover plans, it is hoped that patients can continue to receive adequate care.

Impairments to medical care

The SHG is planning to relocate the acute geriatric unit to Merzig, as maintaining another facility in Mettlach is not feasible. Given the financial challenges and the inadequate medical infrastructure in northern Saarland, such measures are unavoidable. The SHG clinic in Merzig has also announced the temporary closure of the inpatient psychiatric unit; Discussions with the Homburg University Hospital about a possible change of operator are underway.

The development in Mettlach and the securing of geriatric care in northern Saarland are therefore of strategic importance. The upcoming changes could create both new opportunities and challenges for the medical care of residents in this region. The focus in the coming weeks will now be on final clarification of the takeover and ensuring continuous patient care. The situation therefore remains exciting to monitor.