After the new building, it is time for the renovation: After a completely new hospital was opened a few years ago with Kliniek Floridsdorf – formerly known as Hospital North – work will be carried out at the existing locations in the coming years. By 2040, the community hospitals will be modernized or partially rebuilt. The costs for this can amount to eight billion euros.
“The total of seven community hospitals will be gradually converted to full operation,” said Health Councilor Peter Hacker (SPÖ) in a joint press conference with Finance Councilor Peter Hanke (SPÖ), Health Association Director General Evelyn Kölldorfer- Leitgeb and Deputy Director General Herwig Wetzlinger. Carrying out such a project is “pretty much the worst” you can do to yourself, the latter said.
No bed discount
There should be no serious restrictions, such as a reduction of beds, during the work, which is carried out in phases. The interventions are quite extensive. Because some hospital complexes are a century old. This also leads to a structure that is often no longer up-to-date, as was emphasized today.
According to Hacker, the Ottakring clinic, which used to be called the Wilhelminenspital, consists of 70 pavilions. The logistical challenges there alone were “a catastrophe,” he said. The hospital is now undergoing major renovations. Several large buildings are now planned and there will be only a few pavilions in the future.
The AKH is already under construction
The same will happen with the Klinik Favoriten (formerly Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Spital). There is also a renovation taking place. The modernization steps in – relatively – newer houses such as the Donaustadt clinic and the general hospital will be smaller. At the AKH, some of the work is already underway.
For the rest, you are usually in the development phase, followed by detailed planning. The official approvals would then be obtained, as Wetzlinger explained. Tenders have already been launched, namely for general planning services. Five consortia have already been appointed here, it says.
Costs so far only a rough estimate
According to Hacker, the costs can only be estimated for the time being. He points out that it is not possible to predict how prices will develop. The assumptions are currently between 6.6 and 7.9 billion euros – depending on the valorisation value used. The new “Wiener Gesundheitsverbund Projektentwicklungs- und Baumanagement GmbH” is responsible for the implementation.
According to those involved, the establishment of a builders’ organization arose from the difficulties encountered in the construction of the North Hospital – where such a company did not exist. “That was the big one missing,” Hacker admitted. But lessons have been learned, including from the Court of Auditors’ reports, which have recommended such an organization for future projects.
Priority regions will also be created. For some subjects, expertise is bundled in individual hospitals. Two hospitals are always matched here. However, full medical or emergency care will remain available everywhere, as commitments have been made.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
