Pilot project

Oberwart Clinic: Start with company kindergarten

While the parents work, the children should be well looked after. (symbolic photo)

(Bild: oksix - stock.adobe.com)

With childcare tailored to the needs of parents, the state wants to attract top staff - with success.

Although no patients have been treated yet, the new Oberwart Clinic has been very busy over the last few days. Almost 25,000 people took advantage of the "Clinic Open Days" to see the new showcase project in southern Burgenland. However, one very special highlight remained hidden from the visitors: as reported, the hospital will also have a company kindergarten. It is the first project of its kind in Burgenland.

Launch to coincide with opening
The launch is to coincide with the official opening of the new clinic in June, as Governor Hans Peter Doskozil has now announced. The aim is to offer a comprehensive range of services not only to patients in Oberwart, but also to staff. The offer is important for the compatibility of work and family as well as an attractive bonus for the staff, emphasizes Doskozil.

The Oberwart Clinic focuses on a comprehensive range of services.

(Bild: Gesundheit Burgenland)

"Lighthouse project"
"Staff shortages in healthcare professions are a Europe-wide problem. That is why we are creating the best possible conditions for staff in our clinics in the interests of a functioning healthcare system for the people of Burgenland. The company kindergarten is a flagship project that strengthens the attractiveness of the clinic as a place to work," said Doskozil. The other hospitals could also be given company kindergartens in the future.

Doskozil during a visit to the Oberwart Clinic. The state governor is focusing on several measures in the healthcare sector to attract staff to Burgenland.

(Bild: Gesundheit Burgenland)

Top doctors are attracted to Burgenland
This is one of several measures that Burgenland is taking to attract medical staff. The initiatives - above all the salary packages - are taking effect: "There is enormous interest from highly qualified doctors who want to work in Burgenland. We are having similar experiences in the care sector," says the provincial governor.

Long opening hours
Childcare in Oberwart will be based on parents' working hours and is expected to be open from 6 am to 8 pm. It will start with an extended-age group, looking after children from the age of one and a half until they start school. The pilot project will be housed in the building of the practical kindergarten of the BAfEP Oberwart. The kindergarten will also have a health focus, which will give the children more exercise and support them in their health behavior from an early age.