Patient-oriented Care in Rural Areas
Interview with Michael Hanke, Managing Director of Krankenhaus Stockach GmbH
In the rural areas of Germany, Krankenhaus Stockach GmbH holds a special position. As one of the smallest hospitals in the country, it has made a name for itself not only through its patient-oriented care but was also awarded as one of the best hospitals in Germany 2024. In the interview with Wirtschaftsforum, Managing Director Michael Hanke explains the strengths that have led to this success, as well as the challenges for the future.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Hanke, how did you come to be at Stockach Hospital and what is your professional background?
Michael Hanke: I have been the managing director of Stockach Hospital since 2019. Previously, I worked at the University Hospital in Essen and have worked in a total of eight different hospitals. My career began in nursing, before I studied business administration and moved into administration. I have worked in the hospital sector for the last 30 years, during which I've witnessed the rapid economization of the industry.
Wirtschaftsforum: What makes Stockach Hospital unique?
Michael Hanke: We are proud to offer basic care in internal medicine and general surgery as well as a focus on joint surgery. Our catchment area includes around 34,000 people, and we serve them with 55 planned beds and 70 set up beds. Despite our size, we record high patient satisfaction; nine out of ten patients recommend us.
These feedbacks show that our individual and personal care is appreciated.
Wirtschaftsforum: What does the medical care look like at Stockach Hospital?
Michael Hanke: We offer a wide range of treatments, especially in endoprosthetics, i.e., replacement of joints. Although we are not specialized in strokes or heart attacks, we are very competent in the areas we cover. The quality of our treatments is confirmed by an exceptionally low complication rate and high patient satisfaction.
Wirtschaftsforum: What challenges do you see in the current supply?
Michael Hanke: The industry faces enormous challenges. Demographic developments mean that we have to take care of more and more elderly patients, while at the same time our employees are getting older. In addition, the financial conditions are difficult. The introduction of the DRG system has greatly changed financing and many hospitals are running deficits. We are also affected by an annual loss, which the town of Stockach compensates for, since local patient care is important.
Wirtschaftsforum: How important is political support for your hospital?
Michael Hanke: Support from politics is crucial. We urgently need a reform that enables us to maintain the necessary medical care.
Securing the quality of healthcare in Germany is not just a matter of funding, but also of making the right political decisions. We need to increase investment costs and improve the financing of operating costs to maintain a high level of medical care.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role does the hospital play for the local community?
Michael Hanke: Stockach Hospital is an indispensable part of the community. We are not just a place of medical care, but also a social anchor for the people in the region. Older people appreciate the local care which allows them to receive help quickly without having to travel long distances.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your plans for the future?
Michael Hanke: We would like to continue improving the quality of our medical services and expand our offerings where it makes sense. Digitalization is an important issue, and we are investing in modern technologies to make patient care more efficient.