Hamburg Federal Healthcare Conference supports OptiMedis Project
In the Hamburg socially disadvantaged districts of Billstedt and Horn, characterised by high unemployment, a large number of migrants and a lower physician density (see picture right), a model for better healthcare for the population will be implemented with the support of the Federal Healthcare Conference. This was announced recently by the Hamburg Department of Health and Consumer Affairs in a press release. Besides OptiMedis AG, partners include the Billstedt-Horn Medical Network, the Mümmelmannsberg District Clinic, the NAV-Virchowbund, a wellrespected traditional physician organisation, and the insurance AOK Rheinland/Hamburg. Three other insurance funds told that they would support the project (altogether they would care for about 70% of the whole population of about 100,000 people).
The project goal is the improvement of the health of the population through high quality and efficient healthcare, innovative healthcare management, the promotion of health and prevention as well as strong networks. Funding for the implementation of the project will be applied for from the Innovation Fund, at federal level. In the fund some Euro 300 million is available for new forms of healthcare and healthcare research. Using funds from the innovation fund, new healthcare models, which go beyond the existing standard care and target cross-sectoral healthcare, can be promoted. In the opinion of the members of the Federal Conference, the Billstedt-Horn project meets these conditions, and it has received unanimous support.
In the Billstedt and Horn districts (see picture left), many people live on below average incomes, and the number of people on social security grants and immigrants is high. Simultaneously, the standard of medical care is lower than in other city districts; with a low density of doctors, vacancies and medical posts are difficult to fill. In both districts, with high populations of children, common diseases occur more frequently and earlier, and there are often striking developmental disorders amongst children. “It is precisely in the socially weaker districts that we often have poorer health prospects and lower levels of healthcare. The planned network of medicine and social and city facilities in Billstedt and Horn will improve the coordination of healthcare and help to avoid diseases through targeted prevention,” says Hamburg Senator for Health, Cornelia Prüfer-Storcks.
OptiMedis AG had previously drawn up a development and action plan for urban development which promotes health for the two Hamburg districts of Billstedt and Horn. This was sponsored by the Hamburg Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs with funds from the healthcare support programme.