Friday, 16 June 2023
Since March 2023, the Admont Health Centre has been run by a team of doctors led by Franz Kotzent from the Liezen Health Centre. This interim solution was necessary as the previous operators (Eva Petz and Mr Oliver Petz) terminated their special contract with the social insurance institutions and multiple tenders with start-up funding were unsuccessful. The team at the Liezen Health Centre will continue to provide care at the Admont site until at least 30 September 2023.
For the period thereafter, Evangelisches Diakoniewerk Gallneukirchen - owner/operator of two hospitals in Upper Austria and Styria - applied for the takeovers and received approval from the Styrian Health Platform on 16 June 2023.
Independent outpatient clinic from autumn 2023
Health Councillor Juliane Bogner-Strauß: "I am very pleased that we have now been able to decide on a long-term solution for the care of the population in Admont. From autumn 2023, PVE Diakonissen GmbH will take over the health centre in the form of an independent outpatient clinic. This means we have been able to set another milestone for future-proof healthcare in the Liezen district."
High-quality healthcare secured
"Today's decision by the Styrian Health Platform ensures high-quality healthcare for the citizens of Admont. The Evangelisches Diakoniewerk Gallneukirchen is an experienced partner that has already proven its expertise and commitment. It is a strong signal that we are guaranteeing continuous access to first-class healthcare services, even in times of change," says SPÖ Klubobman Hannes Schwarz.
Seamless transition in healthcare
"With the Evangelische Diakoniewerk, we have gained a competent and reliable partner for Admont. This ensures a seamless transition in local healthcare provision. After all, everyone - regardless of age, place of residence or income - should receive the treatment they need," explain Vinzenz Harrer and Josef HarbChairwoman of the ÖGK regional committee in Styria.
Expand networking with all cooperation partners
Diakoniewerk has been active for 150 years in the support and care of people in various emergency situations at more than 200 locations in Germany and abroad. As a networker in the medical and social field, we have a high level of expertise. Networking with doctors in private practice is a particular concern. "We are very pleased about the positive commitment and the trust placed in us and are convinced that we can make an important contribution to ensuring healthcare in the Admont region and expanding the network with all cooperation partners," says Hannes SticklerManaging Director of PVE Diakonissen GmbH.
Long-term safeguarding of medical care
"Medical care is one of the most important and, above all, most sensitive issues in a community. Of course, this also goes hand in hand with securing this medical care for our residents in the long term. The intensive efforts and numerous negotiations have finally paid off. We have finally been able to find the longest-standing operator and partner in the form of the deaconesses - as early as the first meeting with Hannes Stickler, Managing Director of PVE Diakonissen GmbH. I am convinced of the professional work and the well thought-out concept for the best possible medical care for our community of Admont. A big thank you goes to the PVE Liezen team around Dr Kotzent and our retired doctors for securing care in the form of the current interim solution. I look forward to working with them in the future," said Mayor Christian HaiderMarket town of Admont.
Thanks to the doctors
"It is very important for the population of Admont that reliable, high-quality healthcare is guaranteed. With the takeover of the PVZ by the deaconesses and the extended opening hours to at least 40 hours, basic medical care for the population is now guaranteed again. Our thanks go to the doctors who provided medical care from April 2023 until the deaconesses took over in autumn 2023. Special thanks also go to all the people and organisations involved who have been working intensively for months on a permanent and long-term solution, who have repeatedly listened to our 'cries for help' from Admont and who will now guarantee continuous, high-quality basic medical care for the population of Admont," says the second deputy mayor of the municipality of Admont, Hannes Scheiblehner.
Stable operation guaranteed
"Three years ago, the Admont primary care centre was able to ensure healthcare provision in the region once again. A considerable sum was raised for the construction and operation of the health centre by Admont Abbey, the market town of Admont and the province of Styria. Dr Kotzent and his team of doctors have thankfully ensured stable operations over the last few months. I am very pleased that a regional, reliable and highly professional partner has now been found for the Admont Health Centre in the form of the deaconesses from Schladming. The deaconesses enjoy an excellent reputation in the region and beyond thanks to their decades of work. This means that basic care in the region will also be guaranteed in the future. We are looking forward to working well together," said the Economic Director of Admont Abbey Franz Pichler.
Employees are involved in the planning process
The legal preparations for the takeover are in progress. Ongoing discussions are taking place with the Styrian Health Fund, the social insurance providers, the owner Admont Abbey, the municipality and the current operators. The employees of the health centre will be involved in further planning with immediate effect. The operation of the centre is to be transferred to Diakoniewerk in the 4th quarter of 2023.
Opening hours at least 40 hours planned
Following the takeover by PVE Diakonissen GmbH, the opening hours of the Admont Health Centre are to be at least 40 hours, five days a week. It is also planned to take over the existing staff and maintain the services offered to date.
Current opening hours of the Admont Health Centre (until autumn 2023): Monday to Friday 07:30 to 12:30, and on afternoons as required and by prior arrangement.
Further information on health care in Liezen:
www.gesund-in-liezen.at
Enquiry note:
- Styrian Health Fund
Cornelia Kröpfl, BA MA
+43 (0)676 / 8666 5416 or cornelia.kroepfl@gfstmk.at | www.gesundheitsfonds-steiermark.at
- Austrian Health Insurance Fund
presse@oegk.at | www.gesundheitskasse.at
