Heilig-Geist-Hospital staff and citizens protest potential closure in Bingen

Staff and citizens in Bingen are protesting to prevent the closure or partial dissolution of the Heilig-Geist-Hospital (HGH), which is currently undergoing insolvency proceedings. Following an ‘active lunch break’ protest by the hospital's workforce on Friday, approximately 250 to 300 people formed a human chain around the facility on Tuesday evening to demonstrate support for local emergency and basic medical care.

The hospital's works council, led by Stefanie Klemann, has warned against a ‘partial sale’ or restructuring that would dismantle the facility's integrated services, such as the emergency room, operating rooms, and intensive care units. The council criticized the lack of political coordination, describing a ‘responsibility ping-pong’ between the state, the district, and the city.

Negotiations are ongoing between the state of Rheinland-Pfalz, the Mainz-Bingen district, the city of Bingen, and insolvency administrator Jens Lieser. While the state is considering a ‘regional clinic’ model, there are concerns this could result in a shift toward outpatient services and the loss of 24-hour inpatient care. Despite the financial uncertainty, emergency and primary care services at the hospital currently remain operational.