Transformation fund: Clinics demand courageous decisions for the future!

Transformation fund: Clinics demand courageous decisions for the future!

On June 24, 2025, current studies and initiatives show that the transformation of the hospital landscape in Germany is more urgent than ever. A comprehensive survey of clinic managers and experts, carried out by the University of Hohenheim in collaboration with Crunchtime Communications, highlights the key challenges and factors that must be incorporated into the transformation process. Earlyness, openness and dialogue-oriented communication are emphasized as central success factors. This is preceded by hesitant action by political decision-makers, which often results from fear of criticism. According to the experts surveyed, around 25% of German hospitals have not yet initiated any active realignment. Despite the recognition of the need for change, local resistance is strong.

Communication plays an indispensable role in the acceptance of change, especially among employees. To successfully implement change, policymakers must make bolder decisions. The experts in the study emphasize that it is not the content aspect, but rather a lack of acceptance that is often the reason why strategies fail. Therefore, clear target group focus and strategic planning are essential. These findings are in line with the goals of the federal transformation fund, which is intended to support the structural and digital transformation of hospitals with a total of 50 billion euros, but without explicitly including communication strategies in the funding.

Funding opportunities from the transformation fund

The transformation fund offers hospitals the opportunity to apply for funding for various projects. This includes measures such as the cross-location concentration of acute inpatient care capacities, the development of telemedicine networks and the establishment of additional training capacities. Funding includes, among other things, construction and conversion measures, interoperable and secure IT systems and medical-technical equipment. The application is submitted via the respective federal state, and the project documents must be submitted to the Federal Office for Social Security (BAS) by September 30th of the previous year. The money from the transformation fund is an important building block for improving supply structures in Germany.

Context and implementation of the transformation fund

According to the federal government's new legal requirements, projects should be specifically funded that change inpatient care and create high-quality structures. The funds available to hospitals consist of up to 25 billion euros from the health fund's liquidity reserve and a further 25 billion euros that the federal states have to invest. In addition, the hospital owners can contribute to the costs, which enables co-financing.

Another important point is the simplified digital application process, which promises unbureaucratic processing. Funding applications are processed by the BAS on a monthly basis. However, the implementation of the funded projects may not begin before July 1, 2025, which advises clinics to plan early. The timely and transparent communication of these steps is seen as fundamental in order to successfully shape the change and ensure acceptance among the population and in the medical environment.

Overall, it is evident that strategic communication and early decisions are essential for the successful transformation of the hospital landscape. The challenges are great, but the opportunities offered by the transformation fund open up new ways to improve German healthcare.

University of Hohenheim reports that...

KPMG provides information about the funding opportunities of the Transformation Fund and the necessary requirements for applying.

Federal Ministry of Health specifies the processes of the funding process and the goals of the transformation fund.