Clinics in Lower Austria: Future of health care in focus

Clinics in Lower Austria: Future of health care in focus

In the current debate about the future of the hospital landscape in Lower Austria, State Councilor Ludwig Schleritzko (ÖVP) emphasized on Tuesday that the "first and acute care" in the existing hospitals remains secure. This is part of a cross -party process created until the first quarter of 2025, in which experts will take a close look at the situation. Responsibility for the implementation lies with the state of Lower Austria.

The discussion about possible closures of hospitals heated up after an expert paper became known that the closure of four out of a total of 27 hospital locations proposed. The merging of the clinics in Hollabrunn, Korneuburg and Stockerau is planned to form a new hospital in the South-West Weinviertel. A prerequisite for future decisions is an intensive exchange between the political parties, whereby the assessments of experts do not replace those of politics.

protection of health care

Schleritzko expressed that the publication of an older document had triggered great concerns among the population. The lyric paper was created in the past legislative period and remained uncommented until media reporting in the past week. It is now his task as a responsible state council to create clarity and to take fears. With the health pact, a shoulder closure of all government parties - ÖVP, FPÖ, SPÖ - were created to make the health system future -proof.

In the context of this process, clear framework conditions were set. Schleritzko assured that there must be constant emergency care at every clinic location. No matter what recommendations the experts later make, the basic supply must remain secure. "Anyone who needs acute treatment will continue to receive it - be it in a hospital, an outpatient care or a primary care center," he said.

The discussion about the necessity of the closures continues. FPÖ State Councilor Christoph Luisser emphasized the importance of the health pact for modern care, while ÖVP State Councilor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister noted that previously progress has already been made, there is still a lot to do. The current view of closures is considered unsustainable by many.

This topic is also addressed in the state parliament, where the SPÖ has set a current hour on the topic of "No to close our hospitals". Hannes Weninger, club chairman of the SPÖ, sees the health of the population in danger and demands strengthening health care instead of cuts. The NEOS also support a renewal of the hospital landscape, but want to increase the supply close to home and less bureaucracy.

Overall, the situation in the area of hospitals remains extremely dynamic. The health process in Lower Austria continues to be pursued, while politics is under the pressure of the population to offer safe and comprehensive health services. Further information on the situation in the clinics can be found in a comprehensive article on www.vol.at .