21 Hospitals Collaborate for Faster Heart Attack Assistance - Thuringia's new hospital network slashes heart attack response times

A new hospital network in Thuringia has launched to speed up emergency care for heart attack patients. The initiative is part of the state's updated hospital plan, designed to ensure faster and more effective treatment. Each year, between 1,500 and 1,800 people in Thuringia die from acute heart attacks, highlighting the need for improved services.

The network includes 21 hospitals across the region, all meeting strict criteria for specialized care. Only facilities with a cardiac catheterization lab and at least four cardiologists on call have been selected. This guarantees that patients receive the right expertise without delay.

Participating hospitals are spread across eight locations: Bad Salzungen, Suhl, Gotha, Gera, Greiz, Jena, Weimar, and Erfurt. Emergency services have been instructed to take patients to the nearest network hospital, provided it is within a reasonable distance. The goal is to reduce travel time and ensure rapid intervention.

While the network sets high standards for equipment and staffing, specific protocols for identifying suspected heart attacks in emergency departments have not been detailed. The focus remains on improving overall response times and treatment quality across Thuringia.

The new system aims to cut delays in heart attack care by directing patients to the best-equipped hospitals. With 21 facilities now part of the network, more people in Thuringia should receive faster access to life-saving treatment. The state's hospital plan continues to prioritise better emergency services for acute cases.