Almost one million euros for Borkum’s RVZ – Norderney must not dawdle now
The FDP local chapter on Norderney congratulates Borkum: The State of Lower Saxony is funding a Regional Care Centre (RVZ) there with around €930,000. This is not only good news for Borkum, but a clear signal: those who plan care provision early, bundle it, and follow the funding route properly can receive very tangible support. According to the Ministry (quoted in Deutsches Ärzteblatt), so far no other island besides Borkum has applied for corresponding funding. For Norderney, the conclusion is clear: we must act now—quickly and in a structured manner.
Norderney: crisis managed—now secure the rebuild
In recent months, Norderney has had to operate in crisis mode: absorb the insolvency (MVZ), stabilise care provision, remain capable of acting. That was necessary. At the same time, we must not lose sight of what comes next: when taking over and safeguarding the island hospital, the RVZ build-up must not be treated as something to do “on the side”. Otherwise, we will slide from one emergency to the next instead of creating a resilient structure.
Lesson from autumn/winter 2024: think in parallel, not later
With what we know today, it is clear: if the funding logic and the funded preparatory work (e.g. feasibility studies, support, economic viability) had been as clearly in view earlier, we would have had to start down the RVZ path immediately, at least in parallel. We cannot and must not lightly forgo funding opportunities on the scale of up to €1.8 million (Wolfenbüttel district incl. property acquisition).
While Norderney had to absorb the MVZ’s insolvency, Borkum was already taking the first steps towards funding in parallel: putting structures in order, describing needs, initiating procedures. This difference shows exactly what is required: Norderney must now switch from pure crisis response to planned development.
What must be clarified immediately
The key question is whether the situation after the crisis response still fits the funding logic. This must not be clarified behind closed doors: the council, specialist committees and all relevant stakeholders must be informed transparently. Blanket statements that the funding is not relevant for Norderney are not sufficient.
1.) Contact the Ministry directly: clarify eligibility for funding, requirements, documents and timeline.
2.) Link the RVZ and the island hospital: as part of island care provision, not as an additional project.
3.) Make use of funded support: consistently draw on advice, feasibility studies and know-how.
What it is about: care provision as a chain, not a series of isolated projects
On Norderney, it is not only about doctor’s appointments, but about everyday care provision as a whole: outpatient care, counselling, midwifery services, meals on wheels, “Hol die Toi”, support at home, building up telemedicine, short distances, clear responsibilities. An RVZ is designed for exactly this: care provision “from a single source”, instead of many individual measures.
Manfred Hahnen (FDP):
“We must not dwell on the past now—we must look ahead. Borkum has shown what is possible when you get on with it. Norderney must not just watch. Our path is clear: the Medical Care Centre (MVZ) must be developed into a Regional Care Centre (RVZ)—and this RVZ must work closely with the island hospital so that, in the end, everything fits together better—both in terms of content and location. And it is just as clear: if there is professional, funded help for this, we must use it. It would be a mistake to simply let this opportunity pass. This helps our island in very concrete terms—and brings us step by step towards a more socially minded Norderney, where care provision, counselling and support function reliably.”
Important: Support is explicitly provided for in the procedure
In the RVZ procedure, consultation via the responsible office in the ministry is explicitly provided for. This is not a guarantee of funding – but it prevents losing time or failing due to formalities. That is exactly why the following applies: clarify definitively now, then proceed consistently.
Simply explained / terms
RVZ (Regional Care Centre)
A municipally supported model that bundles GP care with other essential public services: e.g. counselling, therapy services, midwives, a meeting place, support in everyday life—depending on local needs. Good accessibility is important.
MVZ (Medical Care Centre)
A medical facility in which several doctors work together—often as employees. In an RVZ, the MVZ is usually the medical core, especially for GP care.
Feasibility study
A professional preliminary assessment: what does Norderney need, what is realistic, who needs to be involved, which location fits, how can it work economically and organisationally. This study is the basis before anything is built or established and is funded with €45,000.
Funding framework (according to the state guideline)
Feasibility study: grant of up to 90%, maximum €45,000.
Process/Structure: Guidance and consultation via the responsible office are provided for.
Core elements of the programme
Threatening undersupply plus rural/peripheral as the starting point.
District and host municipality work together closely.
Feasibility study as a mandatory basic requirement.
GP-focused MVZ as the core, supplemented by further services under one roof or in close proximity.
Advice/support from the responsible office, as well as proper approval and development planning.
Appendix / sources & fundamentals
State of Lower Saxony – RVZ, overview page
State of Lower Saxony – announcement on the evaluation of the RVZ
Guideline: establishing an RVZ
Town of Borkum – steps towards an RVZ
Town of Norderney – press release: MVZ insolvency filing
Deutsches Ärzteblatt – “Borkum gets a care centre”
Reactions
Press release, Town of Norderney, 17/02/26