Construction work in Donaustauf: Clinic in the focus of the protests!

Construction work in Donaustauf: Clinic in the focus of the protests!

In the municipality of Donaustauf, construction work between Ludwigstrasse 44 and Ludwigstrasse 68 will begin on October 8th, 2025 and is expected to last until December 23rd, 2025. This measure affects the Donaustauf Clinic, which has not only established itself as an important local medical facility, but is also the subject of heated debates about its future existence. According to information from donaustauf.de The construction work was announced in an announcement on the municipality's website.

The clinic is viewed by many citizens as an essential health facility, particularly in rural areas where health care is often limited. Longer travel distances and a lack of specialized medical services are challenges faced by the population. However, quality healthcare is expected regardless of where one lives, which is often not the case in rural areas bpb.de describes.

Citizen protests against clinic closure

The discussion about a possible closure of the clinic is particularly worrying. Christian Döllinger, an 80-year-old patient suffering from severe shortness of breath, has experienced the importance of the clinic firsthand. He is dependent on the use of mobile oxygen devices because his mobility is severely limited. He can walk a maximum of 100 meters to his mailbox and has to take frequent breaks to refuel.

A broad protest movement has now formed to demand that the clinic be preserved. Around 500 supporters took part in a silent march and demonstrated in Regensburg, where dozens of employees and patients loudly underlined their demands. In addition, two online petitions were launched by clinic employees and patients, which were able to collect more than 20,000 signatures within a few days br.de reported.

Supply situation in rural areas

The closure of clinics is a well-known problem in rural areas. In many of these areas there are fewer health care facilities and often specialized services are not available at all. Older people are particularly affected because they tend to have a higher burden of disease and require more medical care. The general public's services, particularly with regard to medical and nursing services, often depend on the ability to reach these facilities. Innovative care concepts, such as telemedicine and mobile healthcare providers, are crucial to improving medical care.

The upcoming construction work at the Donaustauf Clinic could not only affect patient care during the renovation phase, but also further fuel the discussion about permanent closure. Citizens' demands for sustainable healthcare in their region remain key given the need to ensure quality healthcare.