Lake Constance Heart Center: Insolvency after 30 years – What now for patients?

Lake Constance Heart Center: Insolvency after 30 years – What now for patients?

The Bodensee Heart Center (HZB) in Konstanz is facing serious financial upheaval after it closed on July 13, 2025 filed for bankruptcy has. After more than 30 years of successful operation, the clinic is now forced to deal with the challenges of an increasingly precarious economic situation. Despite this situation, the clinic continues to operate without restrictions; patient care and planned operations are secured.

In recent weeks, intensive discussions have been held with the Konstanz District Health Association (GLKN). He had already shown interest in taking over the clinic in order to find a viable solution for cardiac care in the region. The Heart Center Lake Constance However, it is insolvent, with the opponents of the insolvency describing the current negotiations with the GLKN as unexpected, despite the clinic's financial problems that have been known for over a year.

Causes and situation of the clinic

As the HZB reports, the causes of insolvency are primarily falling case numbers and rising costs. Every year, the clinic cares for around 2,900 inpatients and 3,000 outpatients and offers up to 54 beds, two operating rooms and a cardiac catheterization laboratory. The salaries of the approximately 150 employees are secured through insolvency money until the end of September 2025, which represents a certain level of security for the employees. The medical infrastructure remains in place during the bankruptcy process, which is of great importance for patients.

In view of the increasing number of bankruptcies in German hospitals, there is a certain level of concern. According to current reports, 11% of hospitals in Germany are already in the “red zone” with an increased risk of insolvency, which represents an alarming increase compared to 7% last year. Those too Pay show that 80% of hospitals expect a negative annual result for 2023, which underlines the precarious situation in the industry.

The further development

The discussions about a possible integration of the heart center into the GLKN clinic network are of crucial importance. The district council in Konstanz has already approved the takeover, but the final decision depends on negotiations with the insolvency administrator and the analysis of the HZB's economic situation. The GLKN has emphasized that every offer must be based on clear economic and organizational requirements in order to ensure long-term patient care.

Overall, current developments in the healthcare system show that the challenges for hospitals in Germany continue to increase. It will probably be crucial how the political actors react and what measures are taken to avert the termination of numerous clinic locations and the impending wave of insolvencies. The situation at the Lake Constance Heart Center is an example of the challenges that many hospitals face.