Anonymous complaint

New allegations against the “shouting primary”

The Salzburg University Hospital(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

A chief surgeon at Salzburg University Hospital is not only alleged to have shouted at colleagues, but also to have left patients behind during surgery. This is the result of an anonymous complaint. But: there will be no criminal proceedings against the chief surgeon, according to the judiciary.

As reported by the "Krone" newspaper, several doctors and former employees of the Salzburg Accident Hospital have made serious accusations against the head of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology.

A "climate of fear"
 The primary physician and military doctor is said to have repeatedly shouted at employees and treated them roughly. Ex-colleagues described him as a "real narcissist" in an interview with "Krone". A climate of fear prevailed and not respect, the doctors summarized. While the hospital operator, the General Accident Insurance Institution (AUVA for short), has already announced the separation from the head physician and his successor, new, explosive allegations are now emerging: According to an anonymous complaint, the Primar is also alleged to have treated patients in a questionable manner.

Specifically, it concerns an incident in the operating theatre in mid-October 2022: a patient was lying on the operating table with his back open, anaesthetized, when the chief surgeon simply left the room - apparently he is said to have left the patient untreated due to an online training course. Another doctor who was already off duty had to step in and make an extra trip.

AUVA is investigating
The incident has no consequences under criminal law, explains Ricarda Eder from the Salzburg public prosecutor's office: "The allegations are time-barred." Therefore, no preliminary proceedings will be initiated. AUVA intends to investigate the allegations and inform the public about further steps in the near future.