RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt Opens New Geriatric Traumatology and Orthogeriatrics Unit
The RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt has inaugurated a new specialized treatment unit dedicated to geriatric traumatology and orthogeriatrics. Designed to provide holistic, patient-centered care, this unit caters specifically to elderly patients recovering from accidents or surgical interventions. Bavaria’s Minister of Health and Care, Judith Gerlach, officially opened the new facility today.
“Due to demographic change, geriatric medicine is becoming increasingly vital in our country,” said Minister Gerlach. “We know that older individuals require specialized medical attention. It is therefore essential to establish high-quality, dedicated care units like this one throughout Bavaria. The new acute geriatric program at RHÖN-KLINIKUM is a significant step in the right direction.”
As people age, the likelihood of living with multiple chronic conditions rises, often necessitating complex and comprehensive medical care. Recovery and physical resilience also change with age, particularly after trauma or surgery.
“The expansion of geriatric medicine marks an important milestone for RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt,” said Managing Director Hannah Gilles. “It enhances the quality of care we offer to older patients and strengthens our hospital’s future-oriented development. This ensures continued access to excellent care within the region.”
To support this level of care, the Bavarian Hospital Planning Committee has introduced the Acute Geriatrics Specialty Program. Within this framework, an acute geriatric treatment unit—such as the new one focusing on trauma—is integrated into a main hospital department. These units are led by geriatricians working in close collaboration with specialists from the corresponding department, such as trauma surgery. High standards in structure, processes, and outcomes must be met to establish and maintain such a unit.
Interdisciplinary Team for Integrated Elderly Care
The new unit is part of the Clinic for Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery, Shoulder Surgery, and Endoprosthetics, and is supported by a dedicated interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and therapists. Their shared goal is to provide individualized care that considers both the medical and psychosocial needs of each patient.
“Geriatric services play a crucial role in preserving the quality of life for older individuals, supporting recovery, and minimizing the need for long-term care,” said Prof. Dr. Sebastian Kerber, Medical Director of RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt. “We aim to help our patients regain their independence and reengage with daily life—that’s our mission.”
The Geriatric Traumatology and Orthogeriatrics Unit is led by chief physicians Prof. Dr. Arne Berner and Prof. Dr. Andre Steinert, along with newly appointed senior consultant Teresa Mucha and Dr. Anastasia Fiebig. Together, they head a team comprising professionals from physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, neuropsychology, and social services.
Experienced Leadership in Geriatric Medicine
Teresa Mucha brings over 20 years of professional experience back to Bad Neustadt, where her career began. After earning her neurology specialization in 2009 and serving as a senior physician in the Neurology Clinic until 2019, she moved to the “Georgenhaus” Geriatric Clinic in Meiningen. There, she gained further qualifications in geriatrics (2021) and social medicine (2022), and led the Geriatric Rehabilitation Clinic until late 2024.
“I’m truly excited to return to this campus and take on this new challenge with a fantastic team,” said Mucha. “Our new unit bridges acute treatment and early rehabilitation, enabling us to deliver seamless, compassionate care through close teamwork between physicians, nurses, and therapists.”
Dr. Anastasia Fiebig also joins as a senior physician in the new department. After studying and earning her doctorate at Justus Liebig University in Giessen, she completed her internal medicine residency and geriatric qualification at the Geriatric Clinic in Meiningen. Her experience spans both acute and rehabilitative geriatrics.
“The best outcomes for elderly patients come from working as a multidisciplinary team,” said Dr. Fiebig. “I’m committed to developing individualized treatment strategies that truly address the unique needs of older patients.”
Focus on Fall-Related Injuries
“Falls are one of the leading causes of diminished quality of life in older adults. Fractures from falls often result in muscular, coordination, and cognitive impairments that can significantly limit a person’s independence,” explained Prof. Dr. Arne Berner. “That’s why expanding age-appropriate trauma care is so important to us.”
He added, “With Teresa Mucha and Dr. Fiebig, we’ve brought in two outstanding professionals whose geriatric expertise will significantly enhance our team and further improve care for our older patients.
