Closing plans for hospital locations in Lower Austria: SPÖ has sharp criticism

Closing plans for hospital locations in Lower Austria: SPÖ has sharp criticism

A recently published expert paper suggests a total of 27 medical facilities in Lower Austria to save resources. This recommendation was announced by the "Kronen Zeitung" on Wednesday and is already ensuring political turbulence. The State Health Agency (LGA) defuses the situation by emphasizing that it is only a work document and no concrete decisions have yet been made.

The concept, which was also discussed in the "ZiB 2" news program of the ORF, stipulates that four existing hospital locations - namely in Hollabrunn, Korneuburg and Stockerau - are merged. The construction of a new hospital in the South-West Weinviertel is planned, whereby the Gänserndorf location is to be converted into a primary supply center. It is also indicated that the clinics in Melk, Klosterneuburg, Gmünd and Waidhofen on the Thaya will no longer offer acute care, but should act as special health institutions.

fear for the employees

The LGA notes that the paper is part of a more extensive process that is supposed to last until the first quarter of 2025. Experts should be included in the planning in order to develop recommendations for action. Despite the present ideas and suggestions, the agency said that there is currently no single sensible proposal. It is also assured that the healthcare staff are the first to inform about all developments as soon as decisions have been made.

Despite this calming, the waves of criticism are already high. Rudolf Silvan, a SPÖ National Council MP, criticized the concept sharply and described the measures as "attack on Lower Austria's patients". He classified the planned decline in health facilities as "completely irresponsible" and asked to stop these plans as soon as possible. The SPÖ has already scheduled a press conference for Thursday in St. Pölten to mobilize the support against the closures and inform the public.

In addition, State Councilor Ludwig Schleritzko (ÖVP) emphasized that no final decisions had yet been made. He pointed out that in some departments there is already a lack of staff. The results of the health pact are intended to help meet these challenges and to make the healthcare system in Lower Austria future -proof.

Overall, the debate about the closures makes a highlight of the current challenges of the Austrian health system. Opinions are divided, and many observers expect further discussions and possibly changes to the health package. The topic remains explosive and the reactions of the public and politics should shape the coming days. For detailed information on this topic, the article at www.diepresse.com .