Deceased Patient: Upper Austria's Health Holding CEO Resigns

He announced this at the beginning of a special meeting of the Health Holding regarding the case of a rejected patient who died, in a personal statement. His contract actually runs until 2029.

Harnoncourt asked Deputy Governor Christine Haberlander (ÖVP) "to terminate my contract early." He will continue to perform his duties until a successor is found and an orderly handover is ensured.

In mid-October, a patient with an aortic tear came to the OÖG hospital in Rohrbach. She should have been transferred to a specialized clinic, but nowhere, not even at the Kepler University Hospital, was there the capacity to treat her quickly enough. The woman died. Her case sparked a broad discussion about the processes and capacities in the healthcare system. As a result, Haberlander has set up an expert commission for clinical emergency management and communication to clarify the processes surrounding the woman's death. Additionally, on Monday, the extraordinary supervisory board meetings of the Health Holding and the Kepler University Hospital will address the case.

Resignation of Upper Austria's Health Holding Chief: "Constructive Action Hardly Possible Anymore"

"When the organization and thus its leadership are now under such severe criticism, when constructive and productive action - also due to the discussions I perceive as overheated - is hardly possible anymore, it is necessary to take responsibility for it - which I hereby do," Harnoncourt explained his decision. "This is all the more so because, in this atmosphere, a return to constructive work is probably only possible through a new beginning, including personnel changes," he further noted.

Quite self-critically, he further stated in his personal declaration: "It is obviously not or not sufficiently successful for me to set the course within the organization both at the regional clinics and at the Kepler University Hospital in such a way that the difficult conditions for our patients and staff are felt as little as possible."

Deputy Governor Respected the Decision

The decision deserves respect, such a step "is never easy and requires personal strength as well as great responsibility towards the Upper Austrian Health Holding," Haberlander thanked Harnoncourt for many years of very good cooperation and the willingness to ensure an orderly transition. At the same time, she also made it clear that "structural improvements are necessary." These include the "further development of processes, sharpening of internal procedures, intensified recruiting in the well-known shortage areas, or strengthening communication between the facilities," she listed. The Medical Association for Upper Austria emphasized the "constructive and professional cooperation" with the 64-year-old.

(APA/Red)

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