Outrage in Styria: the acute outpatient clinic is about to close!

In Styria, the closure of the emergency surgical acute outpatient clinic at LKH Bruck and the shortening of opening hours at LKH Voitsberg are causing excitement and protests. The SPÖ is outraged by the current health care system and complains that decisions that were once supported as compromises in the government are now met with massive resistance. Party leader Max Lercher emphasizes that the closure represents a direct attack on people's sense of security, especially when it comes to emergencies that require quick medical help. On January 11, 2025, around 600 people gathered in Bruck to protest against these decisions, for which they are demanding a reversal, as other reports show, including from 5min.at.

The situation is coming to a head as the SPÖ is confronted with allegations that it was involved in the controversial structural changes in the health sector. At a meeting of the “State Target Control Commission” on June 13, 2024, only the relocation of the orthopedics and traumatology department was discussed, but not the closure of the acute outpatient clinic. These contradictions increase dissatisfaction with the decisions. Numerous mayors in the region have initiated a signature campaign to demand longer opening times for the outpatient clinic in Voitsberg, which further illustrates how serious the situation is perceived locally.

Public reactions and political responsibility

In a state parliament meeting scheduled for January 21, 2025, the SPÖ wants to question Health State Councilor Karlheinz Kornhäusl in order to obtain clarity about the measure. The previous assurances that outpatient times will be maintained are being put to the test. ÖVP State Health Councilor Kornhäusl had assured in a letter that the services provided would remain in place. Nevertheless, uncertainty remains great and calls for a sustainable solution to secure health care are becoming louder as concerns about medical care for many Styrians are increasing.