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 over a period of about 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 Social Democrats have spoken out against the closure of locations in recent months.

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, as first reported by the "Krone". In Klosterneuburg and Waidhofen an der Thaya, a center for modern geriatric medicine is to be established. According to the plans, the Melk state clinic is to be further developed into a "beacon of care and geriatric medicine". Operating room capacities are to be expanded, while obstetric services are to be consolidated in Amstetten and Scheibbs. Initial and emergency care is to be ensured at all locations.

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

The requirements for the rescue service have increased significantly and changed over the past ten years, according to the paper. In 2021, an emergency doctor was only required in 20 percent of the alarms, while the remaining 80 percent could have been handled by a paramedic. Additionally, the training has been more complex and time-consuming since 2019 than before. According to the information, 31 percent of emergency doctors are on the verge of retirement. The utilization of the various bases is very different, with an average of four and a half alarms per day.

Of the 21 emergency doctor locations planned for the future, 15 are to be connected to clinics, which should ease the personnel situation. Six are to be independent bases. Additionally, the number of Acute-Community-Nurse locations is to be increased from six to ten. 86 RTW-C emergency vehicles or emergency teams with paramedics and, if necessary, tele-emergency doctors are to guarantee care. SPÖ National Council member Alois Schroll from Ybbs (Melk district) sharply criticized the plans according to "NÖN". By 2040, according to "Krone", there are to be two additional helicopter landing sites in clinics in addition to the existing four.

ÖVP Lower Austria for the Construction of the Lobau Tunnel

After intensive consultations with experts, it is necessary to "quickly review the plans and then immediately decide on them," said VPNÖ club chairman Jochen Danninger on Friday at a press conference on the occasion of a club retreat 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.

As part of a task review, the processes of the state are being examined. So far, more than 1,500 proposals 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. 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 to do so in a European comparison.

(APA/Red)

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