End for Vienna hospital

“Madness, catastrophe”: Böhler patients furious

The Lorenz Böhler Hospital is still open to patients, but for how much longer?

(Bild: Martin Jöchl)

Patients are furious about the closure of "their" Lorenz Böhler Hospital in Vienna. They are strongly criticizing the AUVA bosses for the chaotic closure plans - and are all the more united behind the affected staff, whom they praise in the highest terms.

If it weren't for the fire engine in front of the Lorenz Böhler Hospital, you could be forgiven for thinking it was just another day at the hospital: People come and go, some on crutches, with casts or in wheelchairs, and without exception, everyone in a "Krone" survey knows about the sudden announcement of the closure of "their" hospital - and takes it personally.

Staff must absorb uncertainty
Patients feel connected to the hospital. Many have been seeking help here for decades. Older patients say they have been treated here with their parents since they were small children. "The people here are really so good, so nice, so friendly, so polite and so punctual here," enthuses one woman, of "unique care". "I walk in and feel at home," says another patient.

I signed a petition for the hospital as soon as I had my plaster cast removed. There are so many people here who need help - and they get it here.

Emily, 46, Marketing

Bild: Zwefo

People are unanimous in their respect for the staff. Everyone agrees that it was "business as usual" during the treatment and that there was not a trace of anger or frustration in anyone's face. The staff had every reason to be angry and frustrated. Not only do they now have to deal with wounds, fractures and other injuries, they also have to deal with the uncertainty of the patients.

This is an absolute disaster! This is the best accident hospital we have in the whole of Austria. I simply feel that I am in good hands there.

Gottfried Alexander, 40, Inspizient

Bild: Zwefo

Anger is limited to "the bosses"
Almost everyone interviewed had called before the appointment to ask whether it was still possible to come to the hospital, and everyone received the patient answer: yes, the hospital is still open for the time being, but unfortunately we don't know how much longer.

Many doubted that the closure was necessary due to fire safety - and asked the question: "If there are problems here, what about the even older hospitals in Vienna?" Even those patients whose operations are now about to be canceled have nothing to say about the staff. One of them emphasizes: "It's not the doctors' fault - the bosses should have thought of something earlier!"