Gmünd takes state to court over hospital closure

Gmünd has filed a lawsuit against the state to preserve its state-run hospital, ORF reported. The action follows the Health Plan 2040+, which calls for the hospital to be closed and replaced by a health clinic.

The lawsuit has been submitted to the Krems Regional Court, city director Horst Weilguni confirmed to ORF, following a report by the Kronen Zeitung.

The legal action fulfils a mandate from a public survey. At the end of June, more than 90 percent of Gmünd residents voted in favour of taking legal steps to secure the hospital. The municipal council subsequently approved the move unanimously.

The survey was initiated by the non-partisan association LKGmündbleibt, which is campaigning for people in the region to continue receiving medical care close to home that is safe, comprehensive and affordable for everyone.

The lawsuit seeks to enforce a guarantee in a 2004 transfer agreement. The agreement states that the state would continue operating the hospital for an indefinite period. The city has also applied for an interim injunction.

According to lawyer Lorenz Riegler, who represents Gmünd, an initial hearing could take place before the end of the year.