In a significant development for Austria’s healthcare administration, franz harnoncourt, the long-serving CEO of Upper Austrian Health Holding (OÖG) and Managing Director of Kepler University Hospital (KUK), has announced his early resignation. The announcement came on Monday during the opening of a special session convened to review the unfolding Rohrbach case, a matter that has intensified scrutiny across the region’s healthcare system.
Harnoncourt explained in a written statement that recent controversies, media coverage, and internal discussions over the past months had left deep personal and professional concerns. These pressures, he said, pushed him to reflect on his future within the organization. He clarified that he will continue his duties temporarily to ensure a smooth and stable transition until a successor is officially appointed.
According to franz harnoncourt, the decision comes at a time when leadership itself has become the focus of widespread criticism. “When an organization and its top leadership experience sustained, intense criticism, and when constructive and effective work becomes nearly impossible—partly due to overheated public debates—taking responsibility becomes essential. And that is exactly what I am doing,” he stated. He has formally asked Deputy Governor Christine Haberlander of the ÖVP party to release him from his contract ahead of schedule.
Haberlander Responds: ‘This Decision Deserves Respect’
Reacting to the announcement, Deputy Governor Christine Haberlander expressed appreciation for Harnoncourt’s leadership and acknowledged the weight of such a decision. In her statement, she emphasized that stepping down under pressure is never easy and requires both courage and accountability. She thanked him for years of committed service and cooperation, highlighting his contributions during some of the most challenging periods for the Upper Austrian healthcare sector.
Two Top Positions to Be Re-Advertised Immediately
With Harnoncourt stepping aside, the roles of Managing Director of Upper Austrian Health Holding and Managing Director of Kepler University Hospital will be opened for applications without delay. Interestingly, the structure of leadership will change moving forward. The regional government has decided that the two positions—previously held simultaneously by franz harnoncourt—will now be split between two separate leaders. According to Haberlander, this will allow the healthcare system to address its evolving challenges more efficiently and with sharper focus.
Rohrbach Case Triggers Extraordinary Supervision Measures
The resignation comes at a time when the healthcare system is facing public scrutiny following the death of a woman in the Mühlviertel region, who reportedly did not receive emergency surgery in time. This incident has prompted emergency supervisory board meetings at both Upper Austrian Health Holding and KUK. The Kepler University Hospital has been asked to submit a detailed report to the Health Holding’s board.
The crisis has been compounded by the revelation that around 900 scheduled surgeries have been postponed until April. This backlog has raised questions about systemic strain, resource allocation, and administrative oversight within the region’s medical infrastructure. Officials have stated that more information will be released in the coming weeks as investigations progress.
Harnoncourt Defends Hospital Staff: ‘Professional and Compassionate Every Day’
Despite the mounting challenges, franz harnoncourt began his statement by strongly defending the commitment of healthcare workers across the region. He praised doctors, nurses, specialists, and support teams for delivering high-quality treatment, compassionate care, and essential services daily. He stressed that while scrutiny and improvement must always remain a priority, criticism should not undermine the entire system or the thousands of professionals who uphold it.
Harnoncourt also underscored the importance of “continuous development, critical evaluation, and transparent problem-solving”—but cautioned that blanket criticism of the entire healthcare structure risks damaging morale and productivity.
A Three-Decade Career in Healthcare
With over 30 years in the healthcare field, including 15 years in senior administrative roles, franz harnoncourt has played a central role in shaping Upper Austria’s medical landscape. Among his key achievements was the merger of Linz’s former General Hospital (AKH) with the Upper Austrian Krankenhausholding gespag, a major structural transformation that streamlined operations and enhanced cooperation across regional hospitals.
His departure marks the end of an era for OÖG and KUK, both of which have undergone major modernization and restructuring efforts under his leadership.
Medical Association Expresses Appreciation
The Upper Austrian Medical Association also issued a statement following the announcement. Chairman Peter Niedermoser expressed gratitude for Harnoncourt’s long-standing partnership with the medical community. “He has been a reliable and strong partner throughout these years. Together, we were able to implement practical and effective solutions for the doctors under the Health Holding,” Niedermoser said.
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What Comes Next for the Upper Austrian Health System
The resignation of franz harnoncourt has opened a critical moment of transition for Upper Austria’s healthcare institutions. As inquiries into the Rohrbach case continue, and the region navigates an unprecedented backlog of surgical procedures, the search for two new leaders will be watched closely not only by policymakers but also by the public and medical staff who rely on strong and stable leadership.
For now, Harnoncourt remains in his role until successors are selected—leaving the system at a crossroads as it confronts operational, ethical, and administrative challenges in the months ahead.
