New Hygiene Chief Appointed at Johanniter-Kliniken Hamm
Hamm, Germany – Dr. Karolin Graf has officially been appointed as the new Chief Physician of the Institute for Hygiene at Johanniter-Kliniken Hamm, a significant development for the healthcare facility and the surrounding community. The appointment, effective January 1, 2026, was formally recognized during a ceremony on April 29, 2026, at the Johanniter-Kliniken Hamm Werler Str. Location. This leadership change comes as the Johanniter-Kliniken Hamm continues to integrate and expand its services following its formation in January 2024.
Dr. Graf, a specialist in hygiene and environmental medicine, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Prior to joining Johanniter-Kliniken Hamm, she served as the head of the Central Institute for Hospital Hygiene at Paracelsus Kliniken Deutschland in Langenhagen. Her expertise is particularly crucial in maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control within the hospital environment, a cornerstone of modern healthcare. The Johanniter-Kliniken, a prominent healthcare provider in Germany, emphasizes the importance of hygiene as a collaborative effort, recognizing that effective practices stem from staff awareness and acceptance rather than simply being mandated.
A Career Dedicated to Hygiene and Environmental Medicine
Dr. Graf’s academic background includes medical studies at the Medical School Hannover, where she also earned her doctorate in 2005. According to a press release from the Johanniter-Kliniken, Dr. Graf expressed her enthusiasm for the position, stating, “Wahrscheinlich niemand hat als Kind den Berufswunsch ‚Hygieniker‘. Und doch kann ich heute sagen, dass ich meinen Traumberuf gefunden habe.” (Translation: “Probably no one dreams of being a hygienist as a child. And yet, today I can say that I have found my dream job.”)
Her appointment has been met with enthusiasm from Johanniter-Kliniken leadership. Dr. Christoph Heller, Managing Director of Johanniter-Kliniken Hamm, highlighted Dr. Graf’s accessibility and commitment to fostering a culture of hygiene among staff. “She is always available for employees on site and takes time for everyday questions,” Dr. Heller stated during the inauguration ceremony. “Because she knows: great hygiene cannot be prescribed, but arises when employees are aware of the importance of hygiene and when there is acceptance for it.”
Johanniter-Kliniken Hamm: A Growing Healthcare Hub
The Johanniter-Kliniken Hamm were formed through the merger of the former Ev. Krankenhaus Hamm (EVK Hamm) and St. Marien-Hospital Hamm on January 2, 2024. The Johanniter-Kliniken website details that the combined organization operates across three locations: Werler Str., Nassauerstr., and Knappenstr. The hospital network provides a comprehensive range of medical services, including 13 highly specialized departments and a total of 527 beds at the Nassauerstr. And Knappenstr. Locations.
The Werler Str. Location, formerly the EVK Hamm, provides high-quality medical care to over 20,000 patients annually, with approximately 45,000 additional patients receiving outpatient treatment. The Johanniter-Kliniken Hamm also plays a vital role in medical education, serving as an academic teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Stettin (PUM) and the Ruhr University Bochum. This commitment to training the next generation of medical professionals underscores the hospital’s dedication to advancing healthcare in the region.
The Importance of Hospital Hygiene
The role of a hospital hygiene specialist, or “Hygienikerin” as it is known in German, has become increasingly vital in recent years, particularly in light of global health challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospital hygiene encompasses a wide range of practices aimed at preventing the spread of infections within healthcare settings. These practices include hand hygiene, sterilization of medical equipment, environmental cleaning, and the implementation of infection control protocols.
Effective hospital hygiene is crucial for protecting patients, healthcare workers, and visitors from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). HAIs can lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. A strong hygiene program, led by a qualified professional like Dr. Graf, is essential for minimizing the risk of these infections and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all.
Leadership Team at the Institute for Hygiene
Dr. Graf is joined by a dedicated team at the Institute for Hygiene. According to the Johanniter-Kliniken Hamm website, Dr. Tim Götting serves as the Deputy Head of the Institute for Hygiene, and Dr. Joachim Biniek is a specialist in hygiene and environmental medicine. This team will perform collaboratively to implement and oversee the hospital’s hygiene program.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by approximately 35 guests, including Stephan Küching, Head of the Hamm City Health Department, and Matthias Becker, CEO of Johanniter-Kliniken GmbH. The presence of these key stakeholders demonstrates the importance of the Institute for Hygiene and the commitment of the Johanniter-Kliniken to providing high-quality, safe healthcare services.
Looking Ahead
With Dr. Graf at the helm, the Institute for Hygiene at Johanniter-Kliniken Hamm is well-positioned to continue its vital work in protecting patients and staff from infections. The hospital’s commitment to education, research, and collaboration will further enhance its ability to address emerging healthcare challenges and maintain the highest standards of hygiene. The next step for Dr. Graf and her team will be to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the hospital’s current hygiene practices and develop a strategic plan for continuous improvement.
The Johanniter-Kliniken Hamm will continue to provide updates on its initiatives and advancements on its official website. Readers interested in learning more about the hospital’s services and programs are encouraged to visit www.johanniter.de/johanniter-kliniken/johanniter-kliniken-hamm/. We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with healthcare hygiene in the comments below.