Investing in health: Vipiteno is committed to the future!

Investing in health: Vipiteno is committed to the future!

On May 28, 2025, State Health Councilor Hubert Messner held discussions with representatives of the Vipiteno Hospital, the Vipiteno Health District and the municipality. The focus of the discussions was the current situation and future developments in the health sector in Vipiteno. Messner praised the commitment of the employees and the efficient performance of work, which contributes to the daily care of over 200 patients and the provision of more than 18,000 outpatient services in the health system. The nursing service also regularly carries out over 500 home visits.

Several construction works are currently underway at Vipiteno Hospital in order to sustainably strengthen the location. The adaptation work in the neurorehabilitation department has already been completed, while the fire protection system and the modular building are currently being renovated. A new women's and children's center is also planned on the first floor, the financing of which has already been secured to the tune of 4.7 million euros. Work on this project is expected to begin later this year.

Planned investments and infrastructure measures

The comprehensive investment plans also include the renovation of the rehabilitation service and the outpatient clinics as well as the construction of a new rehabilitation pool, which is to be financed with 12 million euros. The necessary construction work for both projects is scheduled to begin in 2026. Another important project is the construction of a community center for health and social services in the former Capuchin monastery, which is scheduled to be completed by 2026. This house will offer general practitioners and specialists the opportunity to ordain on site in order to ensure care close to home.

In addition, a psychiatric residential home will be set up in the former Baumgartnerhaus in Vipiteno. Messner reports on progress in transitioning to a less hospital-centric system to better manage increasing demand for healthcare services. Special efforts are being made to reduce waiting times.

Skilled labor situation and personnel development

The personnel situation in the nursing sector in the Wipptal health district is generally good, but there is a significant shortage of skilled workers, which is exacerbated by competition from abroad. Messner emphasized the need to make the nursing profession more attractive and provided information about upcoming collective bargaining negotiations to upgrade the nursing professions. Salaries for around 6,000 employees in the care sector were increased by 35 million euros and working hours were reduced to 36 hours per week with full pay.

Intensive recruiting measures have improved the situation at Sterzing Hospital and the bed capacity has been increased. There is also a close network between general practitioners and employees of the Wipptal health district, which helps to ensure the quality of care for the approximately 184 patients per week.

Messner will continue this nationwide series of visits and target other smaller hospitals in order to strengthen the network between the center and the periphery. He emphasizes that the health policy strategy follows a clear line: all departments and services of the hospital must be maintained, while at the same time the planned construction work is successfully implemented.

For further information on the situation in the health sector in Vipiteno and the planned investments, see the articles from South Tyrol News and daily newspaper available.