Protests Erupt as Birth Assistance Faces Closure at Forst Hospital

The proposed closure of the maternity ward at the Lausitz Clinic in Forst has sparked significant public outcry. Since last summer, the facility's delivery room has been closed on weekends, and now plans indicate that it may shut down entirely. A demonstration is scheduled for February 15 in the city, with local officials, including the district administrator of Spree-Neiße, pledging their support for the maternity ward's continuation.

Hospital management has cited a decline in birth rates, staffing shortages, and regulatory requirements as the main reasons for the potential closure. The facility's managing director, Hans-Ulrich Schmidt, expressed his belief that there is no future for inpatient childbirth services at the hospital. Over the past year, the number of births at the Lausitz Clinic Forst has dropped from approximately 500 in 2026 to around 230 in the previous year, exacerbating challenges in maintaining adequate midwifery coverage.

Currently, the hospital employs four full-time midwives and two freelance midwives. Additionally, the hospital is struggling to meet new healthcare reform criteria, which require a minimum of 3.5 specialist positions in gynecology and obstetrics; the Forst hospital currently has only 2.3 positions filled. Schmidt emphasized the difficulties in recruiting qualified gynecologists.

As an alternative, discussions are underway to establish a midwife-led birthing center at the clinic. Schmidt has described this concept as a promising idea and mentioned potential collaboration with the Medical University of Lausitz in nearby Cottbus. The university has expressed a willingness to assist in planning a new model of maternity care.

The community is rallying against the closure of the maternity ward, with citizens calling for a demonstration on February 15. An open letter titled "Births Need Proximity - Let's Save the Forst Maternity Ward!" highlights the emotional impact of the closure on local families and raises concerns about the future viability of the region.

District Administrator Harald Altekrüger (CDU) stated that a maternity ward is essential in a district city. He acknowledged the high-quality conditions at the Forst maternity ward, as evidenced by favorable reviews from patients. Altekrüger has confirmed his attendance at the upcoming demonstration.

The Lausitz Clinic Forst serves nearly 7,000 patients annually on an inpatient basis and over 4,000 on an outpatient basis. It is part of the Ernst von Bergmann hospital group, which is currently facing significant financial challenges, reflecting a broader trend of financial struggles among hospitals in Brandenburg.