Structural reform

Styrian hospital map is redrawn

Everything is new again in the Styrian hospital landscape: the western Styrian association is being dissolved - Voitsberg is docking with Graz, Deutschlandsberg LKH is "migrating" to the south.

The Styrian hospital map is (once again) being redrawn. The LKH Weststeiermark association will be dissolved - LKH Voitsberg will be integrated into LKH Graz II, while the hospital in Deutschlandsberg, together with the hospitals in Wagna and Bad Radkersburg, will form LKH Südweststeiermark from January 1, 2025. We have the most important facts about the new hospital structure.

What are the benefits of the restructuring?

"With the new organization, we are better reflecting the realities of life in western and southern Styria," says Health Minister Karlheinz Kornhäusl (ÖVP) with conviction. In addition, the distances for patients as well as for ambulances should be shorter. Furthermore, more attractive and broader training opportunities can now be offered within the new alliances.

Presented the new hospital structures yesterday: Kages CEO Gerhard Stark, Kages CFO Ulf Drabek, Gabriele Treichler (Medical Director of LKH Weststeiermark), LR Karlheinz Kornhäusl and SPÖ Club Chairman Hannes Schwarz (from left).(Bild: Petru Rimovetz)

Will this result in the loss of services at the individual hospitals?

This can be categorically ruled out, according to Regional Health Councillor and Kages CEO Gerhard Stark. In fact, the individual locations will be strengthened and safeguarded. A reduction in beds is also not an issue.

Who will take over the management of the associations?

According to Stark, there will be a joint directorate in each case - including a deputy association director. The exact positions are yet to be determined. In any case, he is pleased that the new structure means that established managers will remain on board.

Are further restructuring measures planned in the Kages Group?

According to Kornhäusl, nothing is currently planned in this regard. However, there is now closer cooperation between the anesthesia teams at LKH Murtal and LKH Hochsteiermark.

What does the restructuring cost?

This cannot be quantified at the moment. "Money should not play a role in health. For me, the only thing that matters is that the best medical care is guaranteed for all Styrians, regardless of where they live," says Kornhäusl.

Bürgermeister befürworten neue Struktur

Warum die LKH-Reform für die Ortschefs keine bittere Pille ist

When politicians tinker with the hospital system, there is usually a loud outcry from the regions that are usually affected by harsh cuts. This was the case in Mürzzuschlag, in Bad Aussee anyway, and of course also in Ennstal, which is losing three hospital sites.

However, the latest restructuring has not triggered any negative reactions, on the contrary. Because those affected have been involved in the discussions: Successor Karlheinz Kornhäusl has learned from past mistakes - keyword "driving over the top", as former state health councillor Juliane Bogner-Strauß was often said to have done.

In an interview with "Krone", Voitsberg's mayor Bernd Osprian sees the integration into Graz II Hospital as "positive": "This better reflects the real living conditions, most of our residents have already moved to Graz. And we have been assured that the Voitsberg site will be retained." The loss of the maternity ward has already been absorbed, emphasizes Osprian: "Here, too, the services in the Graz hospitals, including the private clinics, are well received."

Deutschlandsberg's mayor Josef Wallner also gives a thumbs up: "Three strong locations form a new specialized network at eye level."

Change of location to Stainach-Pürgg, where the lead hospital is to be built. According to the state, the project is on schedule. That means: groundbreaking this year!