Swapped babies

Graz University Hospital: “Deeply regret mistakes”

Graz LKH Operations Director Gebhard Falzberger(Bild: Jürgen Radspieler, Christian Jauschowetz)

A careless moment or perhaps a chain of unfortunate circumstances changed the lives of two Styrian families forever. 35 years after the serious child swap at Graz University Hospital, the hospital is now apologizing to those affected for the first time.

Doris Grünwald and Jessica B. grew up with the "wrong" parents. A few hours after the "Krone" brought the unbelievable story of the two Styrian women to light on Friday morning, the LKH University Hospital Graz also officially commented on this sensitive matter for the first time.

In a press release, Operations Director Gebhard Falzberger spoke of his "great relief" at the clarification and emphasized: "We deeply regret that this mistake was made. On behalf of the entire hospital, I apologize to the families affected."

Doris Grünwald (left) and Jessica B. (center) with "Krone" editor Barbara Winkler(Bild: Jürgen Fuchs)

The official apology from the hospital is an important piece of the puzzle for those affected to come to terms with the past decades. The Grünwald family, who have known about the serious mix-up for many years, had already received compensation in 2018. However, there was never an admission of error: "So far, only one nurse who was on duty at the time has apologized to us. There has never been anything from the hospital operator," says Doris Grünwald.

A new chapter is now beginning for Doris and Jessica: cautiously getting to know their biological parents and siblings, a step into a new future. A difficult path, especially for Jessica's family members, as they have only known about the mix-up for a few weeks.