St. Theresien-Krankenhaus

In 1921, a pivotal decision echoed through the halls of the Catholic Church Congress in Nuremberg: the city needed a Catholic hospital. Here, at St. Theresien-Krankenhaus, that vision materialized. St. Theresien-Krankenhaus stands as a testament to perseverance. It remains the sole Catholic hospital in Nuremberg. The 1920s, however, presented formidable challenges. Inflation and unemployment cast a long shadow. Yet, the Niederbronner Sisters, from their Neumarkt motherhouse, bravely stepped forward. They shouldered the financial burden, embarking on the construction of St. Theresien-Krankenhaus in 1926. Two years later, its doors swung open, initially as a surgical hospital. By 1929, the city council recognized the growing need and approved beds for internal medicine and maternity care. The shadow of World War II brought further transformation to St. Theresien-Krankenhaus. One hundred beds were designated for use as a military hospital. A large bunker, providing shelter for up to 1,000 civilians during air raids, became a vital lifeline. After the devastating air raids of January 2, 1945, the bunker became the hospital’s sole operating space. Due to the increasing number of patients, it remained in use until 1990. Later it was even renovated and expanded. The 1970s ushered in an era of significant restructuring at St. Theresien-Krankenhaus. Healthcare reforms and declining birth rates necessitated change. Departments transitioned from primarily relying on visiting physicians to employing full-time staff under chief physicians. This shift extended to anesthesiology and the newly established radiology institute. Administrative tasks, previously managed by nuns, were now entrusted to secular professionals. In 1980, St. Theresien-Krankenhaus became a non-profit limited liability company. By the 1970s, much of the hospital still reflected its post-war condition. A major renovation project commenced in 1984. A fourth building was constructed, housing new operating rooms and an intensive care unit. The existing buildings underwent extensive renovations. The gutting of the bunker in 1990 presented a particular challenge to ongoing operations. During this time, pavilions were built along Mommsenstrasse to accommodate physician practices. In 1999, after 14 years of construction and renovation, St. Theresien-Krankenhaus celebrated the completion of this extensive project. Today, St. Theresien-Krankenhaus continues its vital mission. It stands as a pillar of healthcare in Nuremberg.