Lower Austria: Discussion on Reducing Emergency Doctor Locations

The pact regarding the emergency doctor locations in Lower Austria is to be presented on Monday. According to a "Krone" report, the hospitals in Hollabrunn, Korneuburg, and Stockerau (district of Korneuburg) could be merged into the Weinviertel South-West Clinic. Furthermore, Melk, Klosterneuburg (district of Tulln), Gmünd, and Waidhofen a.d. Thaya hospitals are to become hospitals with special functions.

Reduction of Emergency Doctor Locations: Investments Planned in Gmünd Health Clinic

The discussions on the "Health Pact 2040+" have been ongoing for several months, and the plans are expected to be presented on Monday. In an expert paper that became known to the media in the fall, the closure of four of the 27 state clinics was proposed, including the now apparently planned merger of Hollabrunn, Korneuburg, and Stockerau into one location within 15 years. The conversion of the Gänserndorf hospital into a primary care center is also likely to be implemented according to APA information. Notruf NÖ and the offices of state councilors Ludwig Schleritzko (ÖVP) and Sven Hergovich (SPÖ) referred to ongoing negotiations upon request. The SPÖ has spoken out against the closure of locations.

In Gmünd, a new health clinic with a primary care unit and specialist medical center is to be established. A total of up to 120 million euros is to be invested, with 30 million euros in the first phase by 2027. A job guarantee from the State Health Agency (LGA) is to apply for the employees. The new Gmünd health clinic is to be directly connected to the cross-border health center Healthacross MED Gmünd.

SPÖ Criticism of Planned Reduction of Emergency Doctor Locations in Lower Austria

A total of 86 RTW-C emergency vehicles - ambulances staffed with an emergency medical technician but not with an emergency doctor - are to be retained, reported the "NÖN" with reference to a corresponding paper. According to the report, SPÖ National Council member Alois Schroll from Ybbs (district of Melk) sharply criticized the plans. By 2040, according to "Krone", there are to be two additional helicopter landing sites in clinics in addition to the existing four.

After intensive consultations among experts, it is necessary to "quickly review the plans and then also immediately decide on them," said VPNÖ club chairman Jochen Danninger on Friday at a press conference on the occasion of a club meeting in Langenlois (Krems district). "With the task review and the health pact, we have two major projects ahead of us that will significantly shape Lower Austria in the coming years," he emphasized. For a successful future, both the health sector and "fit state finances" are crucial.

ÖVP Lower Austria for the Construction of the Lobau Tunnel

As part of a task review, the processes of the state are being examined. So far, more than 1,500 suggestions have been received, said Danninger. A smart way must be found to invest in future topics without losing sight of the goal of a zero deficit, explained the club chairman.

Danninger welcomed the fact that the new federal government supports the construction of the Lobau Tunnel, the Vienna Outer Ring Expressway (S1), and the Marchfeld Expressway (S8): "After many years of green blinkered politics, we are finally getting into action." He announced a motion in the next state parliament session with the demand to the federal government for the construction of the Lobau Tunnel, S1, and S8. The "middle class package" decided by the ÖVP-SPÖ-NEOS government is an "important first step to help our entrepreneurs," explained the VPNÖ club chairman.

Due to the halt of family reunification, there is also a significant immediate measure at the federal level in the migration area, said Danninger. Just as Lower Austria has always tried to be as unattractive as possible for illegal migration, Austria must also try in the European comparison. The planned revision of social assistance was also positively highlighted by the club chairman.

(APA/Red)

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