Klagenfurt flies emergency patients to Graz during radiology gap

Patients requiring intervention by specialists are being flown from Klinikum Klagenfurt to the University Hospital Graz, ORF reported, after all four doctors in Klagenfurt’s intervention radiology department resigned because of overwork.

On 15 days in September, no interventional radiologist will be available at the Klagenfurt hospital after 2.30pm. The department is needed, among other things, to treat severe strokes.

Hans-Jürgen Gallowitsch, the hospital’s medical director, said patient care was not at risk. Patients receive their usual initial treatment in Klagenfurt before being transferred by helicopter to Graz when required. He said a recent transfer had worked well and the patient had been treated in time.

If weather prevents the helicopter from flying, a 24-hour intensive-care transport vehicle is available, Gallowitsch said.

The arrangement is intended as a temporary solution. KABEG, the government of Carinthia and the Medical Chamber are seeking a permanent fix. Health official Beate Prettner said talks were under way in Austria and internationally to restore stable staffing as quickly as possible.

Gallowitsch also said a hybrid model was being developed, combining an internal team with external specialists. The University Hospital Graz said it was one of three hospitals available around the clock for emergency patients from across Austria. Carinthia will be charged for the services provided.