Solingen Hospital transforms geriatric care with expanded training and new facilities

Five Years of Geriatrics at Solingen Municipal Hospital: A Success Story with Vision

On Senior Citizens' Day, April 1, 2021, the Solingen Municipal Hospital established geriatrics as an independent specialty. Five years later, those responsible look back with pride on a period of dynamic growth—and ahead to an ambitious future.

"Has it really been five years already?" ask Chief Physician Nicole Backes and Senior Physician Christopher Oldenhage with a smile. A great deal has been accomplished in that time, Backes emphasizes: "And we still have so much ahead of us." Together with Priv.-Doz. Dr. Michael Schmitz, she heads Medical Clinic III—a combined department of geriatrics, general internal medicine, and nephrology. The two form a strong team, complementing each other perfectly in expertise and leadership.

Training as the Foundation of Success

A key pillar of this success story is the targeted development of specialized staff. Over the past years, the hospital has invested heavily in professional training: 15 nursing professionals completed the basic geriatrics course, five earned their two-year advanced specialization, and another is on the verge of finishing their exams.

The hospital is equally committed to nurturing young medical talent. The entire additional qualification in geriatrics can be completed on-site. Two physicians have already successfully finished the program, while three more are currently in training.

Putting the Patient First

What makes geriatrics special? Nicole Backes puts it simply: "We're the most thorough professionals—we see the whole person." Beyond medical care, social and psychological factors play a crucial role.

The goal is clear: patients should leave not only medically stable but also well-equipped for daily life. To achieve this, an interdisciplinary team—doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, and psychologists—works in close collaboration.

Director of Nursing Ulrike Clotten highlights the teamwork: "Every morning, we hold cross-disciplinary briefings where we discuss each patient and coordinate their therapy together."

Breaking Down Silos for Better Care

A prime example of this collaboration is the Geriatric Trauma Center, run jointly with the trauma surgery department under Prof. Dr. Sascha Flohé. It has grown into the largest integrated unit of its kind in the region.

For older patients, rapid mobilization is critical. "After a fall, it's absolutely vital to get them back on their feet as soon as possible," Backes stresses. Prolonged bed rest can severely impair quality of life—making early, coordinated treatment all the more essential.

A Modern Future

The hospital has bold plans for the years ahead. A major milestone will be the new construction project. CEO Prof. Dr. Martin Eversmeyer explains: "The designs meet the standards of theGeriatrics Quality Seal."

This includes over 240 square meters of therapy space directly on the ward—meaning shorter distances and less strain for patients. Demolition work on Building G is already underway to make room for the new inpatient wing.

Conclusion: Experience and Vision for the Future

Five years after its founding, geriatrics at Solingen Municipal Hospital has become an indispensable part of medical care. With a strong team, interdisciplinary cooperation, and clear future plans, the department is well-prepared—not just for the next five years, but for decades to come.