Hospitals in Lower Austria before closure: Mayor demand clarity

Hospitals in Lower Austria before closure: Mayor demand clarity

In Lower Austria, several hospitals are facing possibly drastic changes. A current expert paper suggests that several hospitals, including institutions in Hollabrunn, Korneuburg and Stockerau, to be closed and to bundle their services in a new hospital, the Weinviertel south-west. The clinics in Gänserndorf could also be converted into a primary supply center. It is speculated that not only these locations, but also Waidhofen and Gmünd should be redistributed to special hospitals, without acute care.

The State Health Agency NÖ (LGA) emphasized in a first reaction that it is only initial considerations. The final result of the process for the development of recommendations for action is expected to be long in coming. The main motivation behind these measures is to make the health system more efficient and better bundle resources.

A letter to the state government

Because of the uncertain situation, the mayors concerned have already written a joint letter to the state government in which they ask for clarity about the plans. Josef Ramharter, the mayor of Waidhofen, expressed concern in a conversation: "In my knowledge, this expert paper is already three years old. Since this commission is obvious, the plans are to be taken seriously. It is rumored that acute care should be eliminated, but it is not clear what this means. The letter has now been signed by the mayors of all affected communities.

The plans have raised many questions in the region and throw a light on the challenges in front of which the health system is facing Lower Austria. The fear of poorer medical care in the region drives the municipal managers, since the closures could not only have an impact on patient care, but also on the entire health system in the area. For a detailed view of the case See the report on www.meinbezirk.at .