Lower Austria plans ten acute care nursing sites by 2028

Lower Austria plans to put ten Acute Community Nursing (ACN) sites into regular operation by 2028, ORF reported. The service combines nursing qualifications with emergency medical training and is intended to improve care and ease pressure on emergency services.

Six pilot sites are currently operating across the province: Baden/Leobersdorf, Bruck an der Leitha, Haag in the Amstetten district, Stockerau in the Korneuburg district, St. Pölten and Waidhofen an der Thaya.

Tenders are due to begin this autumn, with contracts expected to be awarded by the end of 2026. Martin Antauer, the state councillor responsible for the Lower Austrian Health and Social Fund, said the project was on schedule and had “high priority”.

ACN nurses are trained in both health and nursing care and emergency medical response. Christian Fohringer, managing director of Notruf Niederösterreich, said they handle acute nursing problems and provide rapid assistance, but “do not replace emergency doctors”.

Since the pilot project began in May 2020, ACN teams have carried out nearly 49,000 interventions. Nicole Kordina, the medical director of Notruf Niederösterreich, said the service fills gaps in care and can prevent many hospital transfers.

Ursula Pechhacker, head of nursing services, said ACN nurses can provide care directly to patients, including people with care shortfalls, palliative pain or social difficulties. Antauer said the service was part of the province’s health plan and would strengthen care close to home while easing pressure on emergency services and hospitals. He also plans to find a German name for the mobile acute care teams.