The merger of Klinikum Darmstadt and Elisabethenstift has been completed
The South Hesse hospital network is taking shape. As the Darmstadt Clinic and the AGAPLESION Elisabethenstift jointly announced, the establishment of the new hospital group was officially completed on June 1, 2026. This brings into effect the contracts signed at the beginning of the year.
The merger will unite the Darmstadt Clinic and the AGAPLESION Elisabethenstift under a single holding company, retroactive to January 1, 2026. Both operators will each hold a 60 percent stake.
Two long-established hospitals combine their strengths
The merger of two of the region's most important hospitals, the Südhessen Kliniken, brings together the AGAPLESION Elisabethenstift. Founded in 1858 as a deaconess hospital, the AGAPLESION Elisabethenstift boasts a history spanning almost 170 years. The Darmstadt Clinic's roots even reach back to 1612.
According to those in charge, the network is intended to secure and further develop medical care in Darmstadt and southern Hesse in the long term.
First construction work planned from 2027
According to those involved, the implementation of the overall medical concept is progressing. The first construction work at the two locations, Campus Mitte and Campus Woog, is scheduled to begin as early as 2027.
For patients and referring physicians, there will initially be no changes. Medical care will continue without restriction throughout the entire process.
Joint management for both locations
With the completion of the establishment, Sven Axt as commercial managing director and chairman of the management board, Dr. Jörg Noetzel as medical managing director and Michele Tarquinio as nursing managing director jointly take over the management of the South Hesse Clinics.
In addition to organizational and medical issues, the current focus is particularly on developing a shared corporate culture.
Shared culture as an important building block
According to those in charge, both the Christian-diaconal values of the Elisabethenstift and the traditions and experiences of the municipal hospital should remain visible in the new association.
Joint events for employees are already being organized. Around 300 employees from both companies participated together in the Merck company run, among other activities. Further after-work events and a joint summer party are planned.
Responding to challenges in healthcare
Those responsible also see the merger as a response to the economic challenges facing the German hospital system. This is due, in part, to planned federal budget cuts in the healthcare sector.
According to the sponsors, the new alliance strengthens the future viability of both institutions and creates better conditions to ensure a high level of medical care in the region in the long term.
From 2027 onwards, the Darmstadt Clinic and the AGAPLESION Elisabethenstift will operate jointly under the name "Südhessen Kliniken".
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM)
