In April 1979, the Földiklinik was established in Feldberg-Altglashütten as a specialised clinic for lymphology. The Haus Sommerberg, a former spa facility of a savings bank with 60 beds, was rented by the couple Prof. Dr. med. Michael and Prof. Dr. med. Etelka Földi.

After appropriate renovations, the clinic was authorised for patient care according to § 30 GWO and classified as a specialised hospital by the payers according to § 184 RVO. Within a very short time, the demand for lymphological treatment increased, leading to the rental of a nearby hotel with 22 beds (Haus Brunk).

The medical staff at the time consisted of 4 doctors, 8 nurses, and 14 therapists. These were years of improvisation, and there was a spirit of new beginnings: patients were pleased with the newly created opportunity to receive treatment for their lymphoedema in a specialised clinic.

Similarly, the treating doctors and therapists were increasingly gathering lymphological experience and optimising individual diagnostic and treatment strategies. Already at this time, the interdisciplinary principle of lymphological patient care was established: patients with secondary lymphoedema following cancer therapies were treated in collaboration with the oncology centre of the University Hospital of Freiburg.

Lymphoscintigraphy and other imaging examinations were conducted at the Emmendingen District Hospital.

As early as 1979, Professor E. Földi received the authorisation from health insurance for lymphological consultations, which allowed for outpatient lymphoedema treatment alongside inpatient care. Manual lymphatic drainage was supplemented with further measures in the clinic and established as complex physical decongestive therapy.

Today, complex physical decongestive therapy (CPDT) is recognised as the foundation of conservative lymphoedema treatment, integrated within an internal medicine overall concept.

The therapeutic successes were convincing. Numerous doctors from both domestic and international backgrounds visited the specialist clinic, as did hospital operators and health politicians; the founding of a model clinic, supported by the federal and state governments, was planned and welcomed by the clinic founders.

After this plan failed in Stuttgart, the clinic management took initiative and, without shying away from risks, ensured the further development of the lymphological specialist clinic:

The Földi couple acquired the Hotel Weißes Rößle in Hinterzarten, which had 96 beds at the time. After extensive renovation work, the Földi Clinic was able to reopen its doors there on 24 September 1986. In line with the new requirements, the number of employees increased: 7 doctors, 15 nurses, 24 physiotherapists, as well as service personnel.

The expansion of the clinic was reflected not only in the increase in bed numbers but also in the optimisation of the interdisciplinary treatment of our patients.

The demand for therapy places continued to grow. Despite the first health reform laws in 1989, plans for an expansion of the Földiklinik with 37 beds were presented to the cost bearers. In 1992, a new ward could then be opened.

The second phase of expansion also began with 37 beds in 2003/2004. Today, the Földiklinik has 152 beds across 4 wards, which have been named after pioneers of lymphology. From the outset, the Földiklinik has always been characterised by teamwork and a good atmosphere among the now 170 employees.

Collaboration with the University Hospital Freiburg has expanded, and a cooperation agreement has been concluded.

Within the clinic, specific focuses have been established, such as paediatric lymphology, which involves the care of children with congenital lymphedema, oncological lymphology, which pertains to the care of patients with secondary lymphedema following cancer, and geriatric lymphology, which addresses the treatment of older patients with lymphedema and often numerous comorbidities.

Another focus of the Földiklinik is the interdisciplinary care of patients with lymphedema caused by obesity. Comprehensive dietary counselling, exercise programmes, and psychological support have been established.