Union charges: “Our hospital system is completely shaky!”

So-called experts have been advising on the future of the domestic healthcare system, especially in hospitals, for years. While some politicians and decision-makers are approaching the sensitive issue very cautiously and – as is currently happening in Lower Austria – rummaging through dusty working documents behind closed doors, there is a lack of public debate, especially nationally.

A national hospital leadership is needed
GÖD health unionist Reinhard Waldhör is now holding all federal and state representatives accountable. A red-white-red hospital summit must take place immediately: “It is good and right that people in Lower Austria are talking about the future. But I want that for the whole country. I hear the problems from almost all regions. A national hospital summit is certainly more urgent than ever, and a future government will also have to deal with it. In whatever constellation it will rule.”

While economic researchers and employee representatives approve mergers and specializations in hospitals, there is great uncertainty among the population. Waldhör knows the fears, but appeals to common sense: “The hospital system is obviously faltering. In some cases, you may no longer be able to perform all tasks in all locations. But it is also a fact that in case of emergency, help is available in every home, regardless of how the respective savings or restructuring develops.

Already 2,700 fewer hospital beds
In any case, the problems in hospitals are increasing: Last year, more than 2,700 hospital beds were closed across Austria due to an acute shortage of staff, and the trend is increasing. Less skilled workers, more patients ultimately lead to the abyss, and that requires decisions – at worst from the old federal government.