One hundred years. That is how long the KRH Klinikum Nordstadt has been a cornerstone of Hannover’s medical landscape. It is not the oldest hospital in the city. Yet, it stands as the oldest municipal clinic.
Originally, the KRH Klinikum Nordstadt housed all medical specialties. It included pathology, bacteriology, a pharmacy, and a laboratory. This broad scope distinguished it from other hospitals.
The KRH Klinikum Nordstadt’s history brims with unexpected turns. The initial construction faced an almost comical setback. Building materials were delivered. Then they were removed. City officials had chosen the wrong location despite years of discussion.
Twice, the KRH Klinikum Nordstadt faced demolition. The first threat came after World War II. Bombing had caused severe damage. Later, planners thought the new medical school would make it obsolete.
However, the KRH Klinikum Nordstadt proved its enduring value. Progressive medicine thrived here. Significant medical figures shaped its excellent reputation.
By the late 19th century, Hannover’s population boomed. Existing hospitals struggled to meet the needs of 200,000 residents. The city’s sole municipal hospital was insufficient. Plans emerged for a new, large facility that became the KRH Klinikum Nordstadt.
Originally, the KRH Klinikum Nordstadt was to be built elsewhere. Eventually, the current location in Nordstadt was chosen. The cornerstone for Städtisches Krankenhaus I was laid in 1891.
Architect Paul Rowald designed the buildings in a pavilion style. Max Küster’s company constructed the hospital. It opened on February 1, 1895. The construction cost three million marks.
The original KRH Klinikum Nordstadt comprised several buildings. There were five two-story pavilions for third-class patients. A three-story pavilion housed first and second-class patients. Six one-story isolation pavilions stood apart. An operating house, a pathological institute and an administration building completed the site.
Other essential structures included a utility building with a kitchen and laundry. A boiler and engine house provided power. A disinfection facility ensured hygiene. Two small residences housed female caretakers. Surgery and infectious diseases were the main focuses.
During the Nazi era, the hospital became a site of forced sterilizations. This was under the Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring.
After World War II, the hospital was renamed Städtisches Krankenhaus Nordstadt. Today, the historic complex is a protected monument.
In 1991, the Niedersächsische Landesfrauenklinik became part of the KRH Klinikum Nordstadt. This clinic had a long history. It began in 1781 as a maternity hospital.
In 1998, all of Hannover’s hospitals merged into Klinikum Hannover. The hospital was then named Klinikum Nordstadt. In 2005, it joined Klinikum Region Hannover. Since then, it has been known as KRH Klinikum Nordstadt.
The KRH Klinikum Nordstadt continues to evolve. It embraces modern medicine. It serves as a vital healthcare provider for the Hannover region. Its long history reflects its commitment to the community.