New dual leadership at the Schwarzwald-Baar Clinic: Where digitalization counts!

New dual leadership at the Schwarzwald-Baar Clinic: Where digitalization counts!

The management team at the Schwarzwald-Baar Clinic in Villingen-Schwenningen has strengthened. Prof. Bernhard Kumle, who has been chief physician at the Clinic for Acute and Emergency Medicine since 2013, was elected one of the medical directors at the beginning of May. Together with Dr. Matthias Henschen, who has been working in this position since 2020, is now at the top of the clinic. Dr. remains the managing director. Matthias Geiser. The goal of this dual leadership is clear: to resolutely face the challenges of hospital reform, digitalization and emergency care.

The Kumle personality is no coincidence. The specialist in anesthesiology, intensive care and emergency medicine not only brings over 21 years of experience at the Schwarzwald-Baar Clinic, but is also actively involved in political committees to improve emergency care in Germany. Under his leadership, further training opportunities were introduced for prospective emergency doctors in Villingen-Schwenningen, including additional training in “Clinical Acute and Emergency Medicine”.

Digitalization in healthcare

In parallel to the reorganization of personnel, the clinic also has to face the far-reaching changes in the healthcare system. From 2025, everyone with statutory health insurance will have access to an electronic patient file (ePA) unless they object. Some private health insurance companies also offer this digital file. The possibilities that digitalization brings with it are promising: from telemedicine solutions that can make doctor's visits unnecessary to health apps that are now available with a prescription, the aim is to connect everyone involved. This is what the experts from the Ministry of Health report and emphasize that a systematic evaluation of health data can make the detection of diseases and the design of individual therapy much easier.

The basis for high-quality treatment is significantly strengthened by digitalization. By securely exchanging information between practices, clinics and other facilities, the telematics infrastructure facilitates communication and administrative processes. This not only results in the elimination of paper forms, but also ensures that patient data is provided exactly where it is really needed.

Overcome challenges

Digitalization in healthcare is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity for the future. Numerous initiatives have been launched to finance medical innovations and improve medical care in rural regions. Important laws, such as the Hospital Future Act, ensure necessary investments in the digital future and IT security of hospitals, which should sustainably improve care.

Overall, this exciting development not only brings a breath of fresh air to the Schwarzwald-Baar Klinikum, but also opens up new perspectives for the entire industry. It will be interesting to see how these changes will prove themselves in practice and what new paths digitalization will take in the healthcare system. The clinic has already taken the first step - now it's time to tackle the next challenges.

More information on the topics of digitalization in healthcare can be found in the reports from healthy.bund.de as well as bundesgesundheitsministerium.de.

The Schwarzwald-Baar Klinikum, an important player in the healthcare sector with around 1,000 beds and around 3,000 employees, is one of the ten largest non-university hospitals in Baden-Württemberg. The new Medical Director Prof. Kumle could make a significant contribution to future development with his expertise and the team's commitment - and that is a good sign for all patients in the region.