Excitement in Bludenz: maternity ward closes – what now for the region?

Excitement in Bludenz: maternity ward closes – what now for the region?

In Vorarlberg, the announced closure of the maternity ward at the Bludenz State Hospital from 2026 is causing a lot of excitement. This decision, which was made as part of a comprehensive restructuring of the hospital landscape, is perceived by many as a “clear-cutting”. The southern part of the country is particularly affected, where the Bludenz hospital is seen as central to meeting the population's medical care needs. The long journey to Feldkirch – the nearest hospital – could be a real challenge for the expectant parents and their families. This raises questions about the accessibility and quality of healthcare, which is already limited in rural areas bpb.de reported.

The mayor of Bludenz, Simon Tschann (ÖVP), expressed his disappointment at the lack of involvement of staff in the decision-making processes and announced resistance to the closure. The mayor of Gaschurn, Daniel Sandrell (ÖVP), also describes the closure as a “severe blow for the entire region”. In this context, the SPÖ appeals to the state government and speaks of a “black day” for health care after 4,400 signatures have already been collected for a petition to preserve the maternity ward. The Vorarlberg Medical Association, led by President Burkhard Walla, shows understanding for the move to Feldkirch due to the low number of births, but questions the ability of the hospital operating company (KHBG) to competently manage larger mergers as part of hospital reforms.

Challenge for healthcare in rural areas

Concern about medical care in rural areas is not new. Like the studies on bpb.de show, less densely populated areas often lack specialized medical facilities and have a limited number of healthcare providers. These circumstances lead to long journeys to specialists and such a closure can have serious consequences for patients who rely on inpatient treatment. Older people in rural areas in particular often lack care options close to home, which further exacerbates the situation.

Although the state of Vorarlberg plans to retain all seven hospital locations, it would only like to offer the specialist areas once in each north and south region. State Health Councilor Martina Rüscher (ÖVP) makes it clear that hospital treatment close to home will no longer be the priority. This development could result in a fundamental change in healthcare delivery in the country.

The road to Feldkirch and the political reactions

Innovations in the health sector are often controversial and so it is not surprising that the NEOS also support the closure, but emphasize that better care at a central location would make the most sense. Despite the political support that underlies the step with a pragmatic view, the decision-makers are met with resistance. Concerns about medical care for the population in rural areas must be taken seriously so that high-quality health care can continue to be guaranteed in the future.

A report that takes the KHBG to task criticizes not only the organization and communication skills but also the failings in hospital management. The pressure on those responsible is increasing, especially in view of the growing demands on medical and nursing care in rural areas. The developments in the Bludenz healthcare landscape can therefore be seen as symbolic of a larger trend in public services.