As of: February 9, 2024, 1:40 p.m
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The new main entrance to the University Medical Center.
© Bernd Wüstneck/dpa
The only center for liver transplants in MV could be on the verge of closure.
The reason is that there have been too few interventions in Rostock recently.
Other areas could also be affected.
Rostock - The Rostock University Medical Center (UMR) and the Schwerin Ministry of Health warn of the consequences of an impending closure of the UMR liver transplant center.
The reason is that the minimum number of interventions in Rostock, which has not been reached recently, is 20.
According to UMR, ten liver transplants were carried out in Rostock in 2023.
In the worst case, patients would have to travel to other federal states for transplants.
But according to the UMR and the Schwerin Ministry of Health, not only liver transplants could be affected.
The media had previously reported.
“If liver transplants can no longer be carried out at the UMR, the entire transplant center is at risk,” warned Health Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD).
This would also apply to kidney transplantation, for example, as certain structures would have to be kept in reserve for transplantation.
“The liver cancer center would also be limited in its treatment options.” Drese also referred to the long pre- and follow-up care for liver transplants, which requires good accessibility.
The UMR said it was extremely regrettable that, even with the support of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Science, it had not yet been able to agree an exception to the minimum quantities for liver transplants with the health insurance companies.
The UMR also warns of disadvantages for research and teaching.
The UMR would lose its appeal among medical professionals.
The minimum quantities do not take into account the number of inhabitants in the catchment area.
This obviously puts Rostock and MV at a disadvantage compared to centers in other federal states.
The UMR currently only has the option of having the determination of the minimum quantity legally examined.
The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA), which sets the minimum quantities, said this was done on a scientific basis in order to protect patients.
Only clinics with sufficient experience should carry out such procedures.
A hospital that, apart from emergencies or other exceptions, carries out such interventions without a minimum required amount is violating the law and is also not entitled to payment from the statutory health insurance companies.
The G-BA already has forecast reports for 2024, according to which the center in Rostock has not confirmed the required minimum number of cases.
What is not yet available is information as to whether there will be an exemption for the center in Rostock.
It is not the first time that minimum quantities have caused problems in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
In Neubrandenburg, the clinic there has been banned from treating newborns weighing less than 1,250 grams since the beginning of 2023.
There is also a minimum number of cases for the treatment of such extremely premature babies.
dpa