Yesterday and today
The former “Orthopaedic Medical Institution” established by privy counsellor Hessing has been working in orthopaedics for over 130 years. Today it is one of Germany’s leading clinics, providing orthopaedic care for more than 5,800 in-patients and 16,000 outpatients every year.
In 1868 privy counsellor Friedrich von Hessing founded “Hessing’s Orthopaedic Medical Institution”, laying the cornerstone for the Hessing Foundation in its present form. As the proprietor of an orthopaedic hospital, he experienced many difficulties in the first few years of his career in particular. As a self-taught medical practitioner -Hessing never attended medical school - he faced harsh criticism from the world of orthodox medicine. He needed great drive and tenacity to overcome this antagonism, and eventually his success proved him right. The “orthopaedic brace” he developed and his inventions for treating war victims helped him achieve spectacular successes and carried the reputation of Hessing’s Medical Institution far beyond Germany’s borders.
By 1903 more than 60,000 patients had been cared for in the Hessing Foundation, including members of the higher ranks of European nobility.
During this time the hospital developed into a rambling, spacious establishment with award block, treatment rooms, metalworking shop, turnery, joiner’s workshop and tinsmithery. Homegrown produce catered for the physical needs while entertainment was provided by way of gardens and park grounds, colonnades, arcades, bandstands and a hospital church. It even had its own theatre built which today enjoys the status of a cultural monument in Europe.
Privy counsellor Friedrich von Hessing dedicated the prime of his life to orthopaedics -always working for the good of his patients. His life’s work was to survive and continueafter his death. In setting up a foundation the conditions were established “to maintain and continue the hospital, for the good of those requiring treatment and help” - a legacy which the Hessing Foundation still embraces today.
The Hessing Foundation today
The Hessing Foundation has been continuously evolving since it came into existence. Over the years the former orthopaedic hospital has spawned various specialist clinics and workshops. Today the Hessing Foundation is one of the leading providers of orthopaedic services in Germany.
Our most important asset - contented staff and satisfied patients
In a German nationwide survey of patients and staff investigating “Quality Managementin Hospitals” the Hessing Foundation facilities gained excellent ratings.
Outstanding medical record
The Hessing Foundation was among the leaders in the patient survey, making it one of the best hospitals in Germany according to research. Hessing patients particularly appreciate the pleasant manner and quality of the nursing staff, the medical expertise and the well above-average treatment in the establishment. Many of those surveyed emphasised Hessing’s excellent medical record.
Milestones
- 1918 Foundation set up by Friedrich v.Hessing
- 1950 Own orthopaedic workshops and shoemaking techniques introduced
- 1967 The Hessing Support Centre for Children (HFZ) becomes part of the Hessing Foundation
- 1982 Orthopaedic clinics undergo full structural alterations
- 1985 Centre for Orthopaedic Rheumatology and Rehabilitation set up
- 1997 Geriatric Rehabilitation Clinic set up
- 2002 Hessingpark-Clinic GmbH opens
- 2004 New treatment and consultancy-building for the Hesssing Support Centre for Children (HFZ) is completed
