Successful relocation of Rheinfelden Hospital

The integration of the Rheinfelden site into the remaining Kliniken des Landkreises Lörrach marks an important milestone in the restructuring of the clinic group. The move was carried out under challenging conditions - during ongoing clinic operations and in parallel with the comprehensive restructuring of the clinic group. Thanks to precise planning, close cooperation and transparent communication, the site was integrated smoothly and on schedule.

The consolidation strengthens efficiency, cost-effectiveness and quality of care. This successful move was an important step in preparing for the new central clinic, which will be completed by 2026 and will ensure future-proof, efficient patient care in the district of Lörrach.

Background: Why the site consolidation was necessary

The Kliniken des Landkreises Lörrach operate around 500 beds at four locations and provide care for around 230,000 people. Due to financial challenges - a deficit of 35 million euros was forecast for 2023 - an economic realignment was urgently required.

As part of the “Lörracher Weg 2.0” project, it was decided to build a new central hospital, which is to be completed by 2026 and will replace all previous locations in the long term. In the short term, however, consolidation was necessary to ensure the medical and economic stability of the hospital network. The closure of the Rheinfelden site was a key measure in this regard.

Original plans had not taken sufficient account of significant risks, which is why a comprehensive realignment was necessary. In particular, the provision of critical resources turned out to be more complex than expected. The strategy was therefore adjusted to ensure efficient and risk-minimized implementation.

Hospital relocation under challenging conditions

The closure and relocation of the Rheinfelden hospital operations were associated with several challenges:

• Time pressure: The move had to be completed within a few months in order to realize economic effects before the new central hospital was built.
• Parallel operation: The move took place during regular hospital operations and in parallel with the restructuring of the entire hospital group.
• Critical perception: There was initial skepticism about the project among staff and the general public.
• High level of public interest: Protest campaigns and media coverage increased the need for transparent and strategic communication measures.

Together to success - structured implementation in three steps

1. Fact-based re-evaluation

All previous scenarios were subjected to a detailed scenario analysis. Important criteria such as patient care, economic efficiency, availability of resources, personnel requirements and reputational risks were evaluated with all stakeholders. This comprehensive analysis created the basis for a well-founded decision and increased acceptance among political bodies and affected stakeholders.

2. Development of a viable relocation concept

Together with an interdisciplinary working group, a detailed relocation concept was developed in parallel to the political decision-making process. This included the structural adjustments at the target locations, the distribution of departments and resources, the consolidation of capacity and the relocation logic and implementation itself. Particular attention was paid to the involvement of employees in order to promote motivation and avoid staff churn.

3. Implementation of the relocation

The Rheinfelden site was fully integrated within four months. The transfer of all patients went smoothly and faster than planned. The move took place over the weekend within two days. All medical equipment and infrastructure were relocated to the target locations on schedule. The closure of the emergency department and the dismantling of the Rheinfelden site were completed as planned.

A successful step into the future

• Efficient implementation: The Rheinfelden site was closed on schedule and all capacities were successfully integrated into the remaining sites.
• Economic benefits: The consolidation helped to reduce duplicate structures and realize initial economic improvements. A key effect was the elimination of cost-intensive external personnel required to operate the previous duplicate structures.
• Synergy effects in medical care: The relocation resulted in important synergy effects that improved the quality of medical care. For example, the relocation and centralization of orthopaedics to the Lörrach site enables a more comprehensive range of diagnostics as well as the possibility of direct follow-up intensive medical care. The combination of acute geriatrics and geriatric traumatology means that complex treatments for older patients can also be provided at a single location.
• Positive staff involvement: Transparent communication and a farewell party boosted staff motivation and enabled a positive conclusion.