Reforms in the health system: Closes of hospitals in Lower Austria?

Reforms in the health system: Closes of hospitals in Lower Austria?

In Lower Austria there are again discussions about fundamental changes in the health system. The state government plans to have profound cuts that could affect several of the 27 hospital locations. The focus is particularly on the clinics in Hollabrunn, Korneuburg and Stockerau. An expert paper directed the public interest on these plans and sparked a lively discussion.

The consideration of bringing together the hospitals mentioned in a new joint hospital in the South-West Weinviertel is the focus. Rainer Ernstberger, the medical director of the three affected locations, was optimistic about this. In his opinion, the consolidation of inpatient care at a new location would increase efficiency in diagnostics and thus enable a faster start of treatment. This is particularly important for the successful care of seriously ill acute patients who rely on the expertise of various disciplines.

economic considerations and modernization needs

The restructuring is not only advanced from medical, but also from an economic point of view. The maintenance of three parallel structures from the 1970s is a significant challenge, as also emphasizes university professor Herbert Frank, chairman of the State Sanitary Council. "The health infrastructure is long overdue for modernization," he explains, pointing out that a supply guarantee should be sought instead of a location guarantee.

The current plans indicate that the operating costs of the three small and mid-clinic mentioned are significantly higher than those of a centralized, modern hospital. The savings potential and the efficiency gains are viewed as decisive factors for reforms. The idea of creating a new, effective hospital with contemporary equipment could help optimize health care in the region.

political reactions and future developments

However, the plans for closing certain hospital locations encounter resistance. The SPÖ and local mayors in particular express significant concerns. They see the risk that these measures could lead to a deterioration in health care. According to the state health agency, the current proposals come from numerous work documents from the Lower Austrian health package, and the discussion is only at the beginning.

critics require a thorough debate on the effects of such a centralization on the population. They argue that the people on site may have to put up with too long travel routes and fear that the supply in rural areas will suffer.

The state government has announced that the final recommendations for action until the first quarter of 2025, with expert opinions should also be included. The next few months will be crucial for the future orientation of health care in Lower Austria. It remains to be seen how things will continue, but it is clear that the discussions about reforms will not only affect the medical but also the political landscape of the region.