Scandal in the clinic: Managing Director Goepfert resigns due to record deficit!

Scandal in the clinic: Managing Director Goepfert resigns due to record deficit!

In a decisive turning point for the Braunschweig Municipal Clinic, Dr. Andreas Goepfert announced that he would give up his position as managing director at the end of 2025. This decision, which the city of Braunschweig announced on July 14, 2025 in a press release regionalheute.de, comes against the background of a record deficit of 76 million euros in 2024. An even higher one is expected for 2025 Deficit of 78 million euros is forecast, which could rise to around 90 million euros by 2029.

The financial disaster has sparked numerous discussions about the future direction and management of the clinic. As early as May 2025, the city decided to expand the management team, with the previous managing director and the newly appointed commercial managing director Sascha Altendorf forming dual leadership. However, this measure, which is supported by the SPD, is criticized by the CDU, which is demanding an immediate new start in management and sharply criticizes the current managers braunschweig-spiegel.de.

Political controversies and calls for reform

The CDU council group sees a need for action and demands that Mayor Thorsten Kornblum (SPD) address the situation more decisively. “There is something there,” critics emphasize, especially in comparison to other cities like Wolfsburg, where the deficit in 2024 was just 9 million euros. As politicians struggle to find solutions, the clinic's strategy is also being questioned, particularly in relation to high expenditure, including 1.7 million euros for new signage and the renewal of crockery and clothing. The impression that not enough savings efforts are being made increases dissatisfaction braunschweig-spiegel.de.

The general economic situation of hospitals in Germany is not exactly rosy. A current survey daskrankenhaeuser.de shows that 61% of hospitals are recording losses. For 2024 it is even expected that 79% of clinics will have to expect a negative annual result. The inflationary price increases for staff and operating costs are putting a heavy strain on the facilities, and many are dependent on support from their sponsors to secure their liquidity.

Perspectives for the future

The ongoing financial burden could lead to further cuts in patient care without sustainable reforms. Economists and health experts agree that underfunding and the lack of inflation compensation must be identified as key problems. The upcoming changes in the hospital could be about not only redesigning the management, but also fundamentally rethinking the economic framework.

By the end of 2025, Dr. Goepfert will continue to manage the business together with Sascha Altendorf, while the city of Braunschweig is already preparing to fill the managing director positions. Christian Geiger, First City Councilor and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, noted Goepfert's decision and acknowledged his commitment in recent years. But the challenges are great and the road to the hospital's financial stability remains rocky.