Senate providing UKE with another EUR 17.4 million

18 January 2021

Funds to offset deficit in wake of second corona wave

The University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) is to receive an additional EUR 17.4 million from the senate's special corona aid to offset losses caused by the pandemic, a press release said Wednesday (January 13, 2021). The UKE has incurred additional financial and personnel expenses to contain the pandemic. During the second wave of infections, operating theatres had to shut down temporarily and bed use was reduced sending the deficit even higher. UKE received EUR 40.8 million from the senate last September to offset losses incurred by that date.

Additional burden on health sector

"We have spent millions on protecting our employees and patients from coronavirus. We have purchased more protective and laboratory equipment, raised hygiene and cleaning requirements and strengthened our security concept," said Marya Verdel, Commercial Director and Member of UKE's Executive Board. Scheduled operations have been postponed to keep beds free for potential COVID-19 patients. Andreas Dressel, Senator for Finance, termed the renewed cash injection "indispensable". He noted: "The coronavirus pandemic is also causing huge additional financial burdens on the healthcare sector which is earning less revenue at the same time."

tn/sb/pb