Clinic expansion also possible on existing property

2023-11-19 09:05:00

Upper Austria’s health holding company wants to invest 28 million euros in the renovation and expansion of the Freistadt Clinic. However, problems recently arose with the reallocation of a property to the west of the clinic that was intended for expansion. The proximity to a composting facility could put an end to these plans. An expert gave a clearly negative opinion on the dedication process.

Against this background, we are now working on possible alternatives in the event that the reallocation of the property to be purchased does not come about as planned. “This alternative includes the complete implementation of the spatial and functional program on the Freistadt Clinic’s existing, own property,” answers LH Deputy Health Councilor Christine Haberlander (VP) to a question from Neos state parliament members Julia Bammer and Felix Eypeltauer.

Haberlander assumes that the rezoning process will not be completed until the second quarter of 2024 at the earliest. The construction projects for acute geriatrics, palliative medicine and the gynecological outpatient clinic would then be implemented in a first construction phase by the end of 2025. According to Haberlander, the renovation required to put an MRI machine into operation is scheduled for the following year. Clinic operations should be ensured throughout the entire construction period – until 2029.

So far, 360,000 euros have flowed into the preparation of the “Freistadt Clinic Master Plan”, including the preparation of the master plan study, procurement support, architectural planning, surveying services and the creation of a logistics concept for the later ongoing operation of the new central reception unit.

“The Freistadt Clinic plays a key role in health care in the region. It employs 606 people,” says Haberlander. The master plan focuses on comprehensive modernization, renovation and expansion. This would not only increase the medical performance, but also the attractiveness of the clinic for specialists in order to remain a strong partner for patients.