Valuable insights into modern cutting-edge medicine, internationalization and the role of the specialist clinic in NRW sport
The Sportklinik Hellersen received State Secretary Matthias Heidmeier from the North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs in Lüdenscheid. During his visit, the State Secretary learned about current developments at the specialist clinic, its role in regional healthcare and the close connection between medicine and sport that has characterized the profile of the Sportklinik Hellersen for decades.
In discussions with Dirk Burghaus, Chairman of the Management Board of the Sportklinik Hellersen, Stephan Franz, Clinic Director, and Stefan Klett, President of the NRW State Sports Association and the sponsor of the Sportklinik Hellersen, Sporthilfe NRW e.V., Matthias Heidmeier enquired about the strategic further development of the specialist clinic, the implementation status of the current hospital planning and other key issues such as securing specialist staff. The results of the hospital planning confirm the role of Sportklinik Hellersen as a major orthopaedic care provider for people in the Märkischer Kreis district and beyond.
CEO Dirk Burghaus also presented the international commitment of Sportklinik Hellersen. With the Hellersen Hospital, the specialist clinic has also established its professional expertise in the United Arab Emirates since 2023, thereby strengthening its international network. The aim is to promote the transfer of medical knowledge and establish long-term cooperation in the healthcare sector and, above all, to counteract the shortage of specialists. The Hellersen Sports Clinic is currently in the qualification process with the Arab Board of Health Specializations to become the first facility in the world outside the Arab region to be allowed to train Arab specialists. The Hellersen Sports Clinic is thus making an important contribution to international cooperation and to securing qualified specialists in the healthcare sector in the long term - far beyond the field of surgery and orthopaedics.
Another focus of the visit was on the medical progress made in recent months, which clearly demonstrates the consistent orientation of the Sportklinik Hellersen. An important milestone was reached with the opening of the Robotics Center by Health Minister Laumann in November 2024. State-of-the-art technology enables endoprosthetic procedures to be planned and performed with particular precision. The German Spine and Scoliosis Center is also constantly being expanded in a targeted manner to ensure treatment at the highest medical level.
In addition, the Sportklinik Hellersen attaches great importance to close, partnership-based cooperation with the surrounding hospitals and all other players in the healthcare sector. "Thanks to the intensive professional exchange and constructive cooperation, we complement each other perfectly and together contribute to ensuring the best possible care for patients in the region," explained Dirk Burghaus.
"The Sportklinik Hellersen is a good example of how modern medicine and top sporting performance can go hand in hand for the benefit of the population of North Rhine-Westphalia. I hope that the path of cooperation and coordination with the surrounding hospitals will be consistently continued in line with North Rhine-Westphalia's hospital planning," said State Secretary Matthias Heidmeier during his visit.
In addition to the medical performance, the close connection to organized sport was also emphasized. Doctors at the Sportklinik Hellersen regularly look after national teams and contribute their expertise to top-class sport. "The close integration of sport and medicine is a benefit for the entire country. Facilities such as the Sportklinik Hellersen make a significant contribution to providing athletes with optimal conditions," emphasized Stefan Klett.
"The visit by State Secretary Heidmeier was a valuable opportunity for us to present the work and development of the Sportklinik Hellersen and to discuss current healthcare issues in a direct exchange," said Dirk Burghaus, adding: "The open dialog with state politicians is of great importance to us in order to jointly shape paths for sustainable and high-quality medicine."
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Sarah Burghaus
Head of Marketing, PR & Customer Service, Press Spokesperson
sarah.burghaus@hellersen.de
Marketing & PR
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