Closure of the Zeller hospital: citizens are fighting for the future!

The Zeller Hospital, also known as Clinic Middle Moselle, is about to close. This led to intensive protests among the population. Rumors about a possible closure decision already circulated in August 2024, while the official decision to close was made in early September 2024.

The planned changes stipulate that in the future in the district of Cochem-Zell should only take place in Cochem. Instead, a centralization and expansion of outpatient care are to be realized in a health center in Zell.

restructuring of medical care

The closure of the Zeller hospital was presented by the Katharina Kasper Group in the Cochem-Zell district council. The measure is part of a comprehensive reorganization of medical care in the region. Patients who need inpatient treatment will have to dodge to Cochem or Wittlich in the future.

The hospital in Zell is converted into a medical care center (MVZ). The main reason for closing the inpatient area is considerable financial problems; In the past 20 years, the hospital has accumulated a deficit of 47 million euros. Larger clinics are intended for complex and predictable operations, while lighter emergencies in Zell can be supplied on an outpatient basis until 10 p.m. However, heavier emergencies must also be transported to Cochem or Wittlich.

The plans also provide for the expansion of the outpatient area, including the establishment of an outpatient surgery. In addition, the establishment of short -term care with 40 beds in Zell is planned. However, it remains unclear how the 230 employees of the clinic in Zell continue, since no information has so far been available for adoption in the new structures.

Mayor Jürgen Hoffmann (FDP) and District Administrator Anke Beilstein (CDU) campaigned for improvements in emergency care. Health Minister Clemens Hoch (SPD) has also announced that it would provide another ambulance. The news of the closure met with massive rejection; After the plans were presented, there were boos from the audience, and around 200 people demonstrated against the closure plans. Two weeks earlier, around 1,000 cells had already protested for the preservation of the hospital.