Now it is certain: the Augsburg University Hospital is no longer to be extensively renovated, but housed in a new building. “According to previous plans, a general renovation was intended. Because it is in ongoing operation, it would have lasted up to 30 years. It’s too long for us, it’s too expensive for us,” said Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) on Tuesday after a cabinet meeting. After long discussions, the Council of Ministers therefore decided against the general renovation and in favor of a new building. Science Minister Markus Blume (CSU) said it was not yet possible to say how high the costs would be and when the new building would be completed.
Blume had already campaigned for a new building in November and in this context spoke of a project worth billions. They had struggled for a long time, but in the meantime the pendulum had clearly tilted towards the new building solution. The new building is linked to the great hope of less stress for patients, staff and visitors, lower construction and scheduling risks, modern structures and more climate protection.
“The new building is a great opportunity for an absolutely top clinic, comparable to what we are currently developing in Munich,” said Söder. He was confident that it would be much faster than previous plans and it would also be cheaper in the end. “This gives Augsburg a huge opportunity to play in the absolute top league of medical developments.” Now “all the stops” would have to be pulled out for a modern new building towards a model project, said Söder. There are currently around 800 students at the University Hospital in Augsburg. Health Minister Klaus Holetschek (CSU) said: “The University Hospital Augsburg plays a very central role in inpatient care in Swabia.”
Bavaria only officially took over the former municipal hospital in January 2019. The building complex is more than 40 years old and requires extensive renovation. Politicians from the Augsburg region fought for decades to have the clinic upgraded to a university clinic. At the same time, the Free State founded a new medical faculty at the University of Augsburg. A medical campus is currently being built around the university hospital – Bavaria is already having to spend billions to set up the new faculty with more than 100 professors. Later, 1,500 medical study places are to be offered in Augsburg.