One Year After the Drama

Automatic Draft

The Rohrbach Hospital became the scene of a tragic death.(Bild: Wolfgang Spitzbart)

A year ago, the “Krone” reported on the tragic death of a woman from the Mühlviertel region for whom, despite a life-threatening diagnosis, no specialized hospital could be found. The case shook the healthcare system in Upper Austria. Now, those in charge are taking stock of what has changed since then.

The fate of a woman from the Mühlviertel region, who could not be transferred to a specialized hospital after her aorta ruptured, marked a turning point for the healthcare system in Upper Austria. The background details uncovered by the “Krone” laid bare, without mercy, what went wrong in a medical emergency despite well-established routines.

Doctors made fruitless phone calls from Vienna through St. Pölten, Linz, and Salzburg all the way to Passau in an attempt to secure a spot in a cardiac surgery unit. A rescue helicopter was not even available that night for a potential transport.

I am deeply convinced that the healthcare system in Upper Austria has indeed been strengthened over the past twelve months.

Gesundheitsreferentin und LH-Vize Christine Haberlander

Bild: FOTOKERSCHI / WERNER KERSCHBAUMMAYR

Following a review by a commission of experts and their specific recommendations for improvement, emergency management for such cases has been reorganized. Kostja Steiner, Medical Director of Rohrbach Hospital and head of the Escalation Management Project, explains: “The procedures are very clearly defined—for all healthcare facilities.”

This lays the foundation. It was implemented very quickly and without any problems. It has truly been supported by all parties involved.

Kostja Steiner, Ärztlicher Direktor Klinikum Rohrbach

Bild: FL

Specifically, this means: If three designated and contacted specialty hospitals cannot admit an emergency patient, the center originally responsible must take over care—even if it actually has no available capacity.

In the case of cardiac surgery emergencies, the Kepler University Hospital in Linz plays a central role. Its director, Meinhard Lukas, says: “Then we do everything humanly possible to treat this fourth or fifth patient in some way.”

“Red Phone” and Helicopters for the Night
In addition, a sort of “red phone” has been in place since July, ensuring direct and priority communication between hospital doctors. This is intended to save valuable minutes by eliminating time-consuming transfers and hold times. And there’s another improvement: Since September 25, a rescue helicopter has been available in Upper Austria even at night.