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Upper Austria and Styria strike cross-border healthcare partnership

Regional cooperation takes a bold step forward. Patients in Liezen gain access to Bad Ischl's facilities—but one hospital's surgical unit will close.

, and Administrator

2026 May 7 . 11:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows a poster with a drawing of a hospital in Germany, with a few buildings and text... — The image shows a poster with a drawing of a hospital in Germany, with a few buildings and text written on it. The buildings are depicted in detail, with intricate details such as windows, doors, and balconies. The text on the poster provides further information about the hospital, such as its size, location, and other features.

Upper Austria and Styria strike cross-border healthcare partnership

A new cross-border healthcare deal between Upper Austria and Styria has been given the green light. The supervisory board of Upper Austrian Health Holding (OOeG) approved the agreement, which will expand medical services for patients in the Liezen district. Officials have described the decision as a positive step for regional cooperation. The agreement allows patients from Styria’s Liezen district to receive treatment at Salzkammergut Klinikum Bad Ischl. In return, Styria will contribute to the costs and supply additional staff where needed. The deal also means the surgical department at Bad Aussee Regional Hospital (LKH Bad Aussee) will close, with extra funding redirected to Bad Ischl Hospital.

The contract sets out clear terms on services, funding, and oversight. For the first six months, monthly meetings will track progress, followed by check-ins every six months to review and refine the arrangement. Medical Director Tilman Königswieser anticipates around 300 extra patients from Styria, a number he believes the hospital can handle without strain. OOeG’s managing directors, Karl Lehner and Harald Schöffl, welcomed the supervisory board’s approval. The agreement is set to begin on April 1, but only if the Styrian Health Platform also gives its final consent.

The deal will take effect in early April, pending Styria’s last approval. Patients in Liezen will gain access to Bad Ischl’s facilities, while Styria’s financial and staff contributions will support the expanded services. Regular reviews will ensure the partnership runs smoothly and adjusts to demand.