Medicine Becomes More Outpatient and Digital
Interview with Dr. Steffi Miroslau, Managing Director of GLG Gesellschaft für Leben und Gesundheit mbH
The GLG Gesellschaft für Leben und Gesundheit mbH is a significant player in the healthcare industry in Brandenburg. With central administration in Eberswalde and a total of eleven independent GmbHs, including several hospitals and medical centers, the company plays an important role in regional healthcare. In the interview, Dr. Steffi Miroslau, medical managing director, discusses the current transformation of the healthcare system and the impacts of the new hospital law.
Wirtschaftsforum: Dr. Miroslau, how did you find your way to GLG?
Dr. Steffi Miroslau: I have been with the company for 39 years. After my medical studies at Charité, I started as a pediatrician and eventually became the medical director of the Werner-Forßmann-Klinikum. In 2012, I took over the position of medical managing director at GLG, where I share responsibilities with an economist. Our decisions are based on the provision of essential services, economic efficiency, and the quality of medical care.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role does the new Hospital Act play in the current transformation of the healthcare system?
Dr. Steffi Miroslau: The Hospital Care Act, which came into effect on November 22, is a significant reform that we have been anticipating for many years. It aims to improve medical care and optimize the structure of hospitals. However, the challenges are enormous, as over 1,200 facilities in Germany need to adapt. We must ensure centralized care while simultaneously strengthening outpatient services.
European Business Forum: How has GLG prepared for these changes?
Dr. Steffi Miroslau: We have been preparing for years for outpatient care, digitization, and centralization. We operate a large outpatient nursing service and have numerous medical care centers. In addition, we have invested in modern medical technology to enhance the quality of our treatments. An example is our collaboration with Charité, which enables us to offer innovative treatment methods locally.
Wirtschaftsforum: What challenges do you see in implementing the new law?
Dr. Steffi Miroslau: The greatest challenge is the emotional response of the public to changes. Many people fear that local care will deteriorate if departments are relocated. These fears are understandable, but we must communicate the benefits of specialized care and the need for changes. It is important that the population understands that centralization does not necessarily mean a deterioration in care.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you assess the current situation in healthcare in an international comparison?
Dr. Steffi Miroslau: Looking at other countries, we see that Germany is better positioned compared to countries like the United Kingdom or France. In the United Kingdom, millions are waiting for specialist appointments, while in Germany the healthcare structures are still relatively stable. However, we must also address the challenges of demographic change and staff shortages here. We are fortunate to be well-positioned here in Brandenburg, but the challenges are not to be underestimated.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the next steps for GLG?
Dr. Steffi Miroslau: We need to continue investing in digitalization and strengthen outpatient care. An important aspect will be patient management, to facilitate patients' access to the right services. We are also improving our training structures to attract enough qualified personnel. The first academized medical college for nursing staff was inaugurated recently, which is a significant step in the right direction.
Wirtschaftsforum: How are you dealing with the financial challenges that many hospitals face?
Dr. Steffi Miroslau: It is alarming that 79% of hospitals in Germany are operating at a loss. We need to secure our economic stability to continue offering high-quality medical care. GLG has successfully invested in recent years and has achieved breaking even, but the challenges are growing. We need to ensure that we not only cover the deficits but also invest in the future.
Wirtschaftsforum: Is there anything final that you would like to share with our readers?
Dr. Steffi Miroslau: Yes, I want to emphasize that the transformation of the healthcare system is necessary, even though it is painful. We all need to pull together to overcome the challenges and ensure future-proof healthcare provision.