The economic situation of German hospitals remains tense and has deteriorated further compared to previous years.
In 2024, 66 percent of hospitals posted losses, five percent more than in the previous year. For 2025, 71 percent expect a negative annual result. The annual results themselves also deteriorated in 2024 compared to 2023. 70 percent of hospitals rate their economic situation as rather unsatisfactory, while only six percent rate it as rather good. These are the results of the 2025 Hospital Barometer, an annual representative survey conducted by the German Hospital Institute (DKI) among general hospitals in Germany.
As in the previous year, 88 per cent of respondents report that price increases in particular had a significant impact on the liquidity of hospitals. As a result, 45 per cent of hospitals were dependent on financial resources from their operators.
The hospital reform is already having a noticeable impact on planning security and investments.
The majority of hospitals rate general planning security as limited, for example in terms of case number development and the availability of liquid funds. 37 percent of hospitals have already begun to adapt their planning to the new challenges.
The hospital reform is already having a noticeable impact on planning security and investments. The majority of hospitals rate general planning security as limited, for example in terms of case number development and availability of liquid funds. 37 percent of hospitals have already begun to adapt their planning to the new challenges.
The DKI also surveyed hospitals on the Nursing Staff Assessment Regulation (PPBV). Although this is intended to improve the staffing situation, 82 per cent of those surveyed consider it bureaucratic and ineffective. 71 per cent of hospitals report low acceptance of the PPBV among nursing staff.
Almost all hospitals have alarm and contingency plans for technical, infrastructural and health crises. Preparedness for rare events such as social unrest or military conflicts is significantly lower. 43 per cent of clinics can bridge a power failure for at least three days. Only one in ten clinics can maintain patient care without restriction in the event of a prolonged blackout, and only 20 per cent have cooperation agreements with neighbouring hospitals.
Read the full article on the BDPK website HERE
