Leipzig University Hospital: Record surplus despite financial challenges!

Leipzig University Hospital: Record surplus despite financial challenges!

The Leipzig University Hospital (UKL) closed the year 2024 with a pleasing annual profit of 8.8 million euros. In the previous year, a slightly negative result of minus 232,000 euros was achieved, which was made possible thanks to subsidies from the federal government and the Free State of Saxony, as [myDRG] reports. The positive development in 2024 is primarily due to a variety of factors, including good performance in inpatient and outpatient care as well as one-off effects from budget negotiations with health insurance companies.

2024 was the first year that was not affected by the additional burdens of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Despite high levels of sickness absence at the beginning of the year, which led to restrictions in the provision of services, the clinic managed to significantly increase the number of patients in both inpatient and outpatient areas. The number of outpatient operations rose by 14 percent, although cost-covering financing is not guaranteed.

Insights into the financial situation

Sales revenue from hospital operations grew by 12.7 percent to 640 million euros, with total revenue amounting to 714 million euros. However, personnel costs exceeded the 400 million euro mark for the first time, representing an increase of 24.3 million euros compared to the previous year. This increase is partly due to two collective bargaining negotiations aimed at ensuring employee satisfaction. However, the necessary investments and increasing operating costs continue to pose a challenge to the UKL's overall financial situation.

Another step forward was the completion of the first construction phase of the central emergency room. In addition, lung transplants were introduced in cooperation with the Leipzig Heart Center, which expanded the hospital's range of medical services. The conversion of the clinical workstation system to M-KIS is intended to optimize the digital processes.

Research and teaching at UKL

The UKL medical faculty saw an increase in state grants and third-party funding in 2024. This income increased from 64 million euros in 2023 to around 68 million euros in 2024, and the number of staff positions financed by third-party funds grew from 880 to 912. In addition, two ERC grants for top research were won this year. The new facility “Leipzig Center of Metabolism” (LeiCeM) will begin work in January 2026.

The number of students has also increased: from 3,639 in 2023 to 3,678 in 2024. What is particularly noteworthy is that the students of human medicine and pharmacy achieved top marks in their exams. In addition, a new institute for midwifery science was founded and a certification course for midwives from third countries was offered.

Overall, the 2024 annual report shows that, despite significant challenges in the healthcare system, the Leipzig University Hospital is on a stable path, both in terms of financial aspects and medical and academic services. The efforts to improve the general conditions for employees and at the same time optimize patient care are a signal of the future-oriented orientation of the clinic.