"No one has to be alone when life comes to an end. We want to ensure this for the city of Neumünster and the region by building the Maria&Martha hospice," says Gesa Kitschke, Managing Director of Diakonie Altholstein. "With this hospice, we are creating a place that gives dying its place in life - close to the people who need support and security." Diakonie Altholstein is working closely with the Hospiz Initiative, which has been providing outpatient palliative care for almost 30 years. This partnership is now leading to a further joint project to run the inpatient hospice in Neumünster. For many relatives and friends, the last phase of life is a time of crisis, fear and uncertainty. What happens when you die? How does it even work? What can I do? Questions like these accompany those affected and their relatives during this special time. The Maria&Martha Hospice aims to become precisely the place where seriously ill people can live and die well accompanied until the end - close to their family and familiar surroundings.
Closing a gap in care
There are currently 13 inpatient hospices in Schleswig-Holstein with a total of 149 places. The recommendations of the professional associations (50 beds per 1 million inhabitants in inpatient hospices) will even be exceeded in future with the new building in Neumünster and a further planned inpatient hospice in Oldenburg in Holstein (also 12 places). Comprehensive outpatient palliative care has been established in Neumünster and the surrounding area in recent years. Diakonie Altholstein has been offering qualified outpatient care for seriously ill and dying people for over 14 years. However, there is currently no local inpatient hospice care. Patients have to resort to distant facilities - a great burden for those affected and their relatives. "The Maria&Martha hospice will close this gap. The ground-breaking ceremony is a moment of deep gratitude for us," says Gesa Kitschke. "After two years of intensive work, countless discussions and a lot of encouragement, our vision is finally becoming a reality. This house will provide care, comfort and security for people in their final phase of life."
Joint commitment from the city, state and civil society
This project is the result of strong cooperation - because the Maria&Martha Hospice is a joint project between Diakonie, the city, the state and many committed people and initiatives. The project received a decisive boost in February 2025 when the Neumünster council approved funding of 360,000 euros. Tobias Bergmann, Lord Mayor of Neumünster, explains the importance of the hospice: "With this building project, we are strengthening hospice care in Neumünster and the surrounding area. In future, seriously ill people will be able to receive humane and professional care in their own homes. This is a great benefit for our city and the region." Together with funds from the state of Schleswig-Holstein amounting to 250,000 euros, the conditions for the start of construction were created. Aminata Touré, Minister of Social Affairs of the state of Schleswig-Holstein, praised the joint commitment of the state, city and Diakonie: "The Maria&Martha hospice is an important building block for the care structure in Schleswig-Holstein. It is the 14th inpatient hospice in our federal state. We are thus significantly increasing our range of hospice beds in a region that has not yet been adequately supplied."
"In the biblical story, Mary and Martha represent two attitudes that complement each other: the listening, compassionate heart and the active, caring action. The two are inseparable. The hospice that bears their name is intended to be an expression of this lived charity - a place where people can spend their last years in dignity, care and a protected community," says Nora Steen, Bishop of Schleswig and Holstein.
Strong support from the public
A great deal of commitment and an impressive willingness to donate have supported the project in recent months. Numerous events, campaigns and personal initiatives have helped to anchor the idea in the public eye and secure important financial support.
"Every contribution, every event, every conversation helps us to get closer to this goal. The popularity shows how much support there is among the population," emphasizes Gesa Kitschke. "For the Maria&Martha Hospice to become a reality, this support remains essential - we are still absolutely dependent on the help and solidarity of many for its construction and subsequent operation."
Looking ahead
The Maria&Martha Hospice is scheduled for completion in spring 2027. Another important step is due to be taken at the end of 2025: the SAPV team from Diakonie Altholstein will move into the former pastorate in Roschdohler Weg and work next door to the new hospice. This will bring the palliative care services of Diakonie Altholstein even closer together - for even better support for seriously ill people in Neumünster.
"A symbolic moment that makes visible what has grown in recent months: hope, cohesion and the firm will to create a place for life and dignity in Neumünster," says Gesa Kitschke, Managing Director of Diakonie Altholstein.
Donations
Every donation helps to make this place of humanity a reality - and to secure it in the long term.
Donation account
IBAN: DE 03 5206 0410 0005 0425 93
BIC: GENODEF1EK1
Or online at:
www.maria-martha-hospiz.de