Innsbruck Clinic violence ambulance faces personnel shortages

The violence ambulance competence center at the Innsbruck Clinic is facing critical personnel shortages two years after its establishment. While the number of patients treated has risen to 800 since opening—with 200 patients seen this year alone, marking a 30 percent increase over the previous year—staffing levels have remained stagnant.

Nursing lead Patrick Zechner stated that the center has reached a plateau regarding resources. The shortage affects the ability to adequately support approximately 50 trained violence protection officers who assist staff at various hospitals across Tyrol. Additionally, the shortage impacts direct patient care, necessitating overtime to maintain quality.

Three-quarters of those affected are women. The service, which can be used anonymously and free of charge, often identifies violence as a secondary finding during routine medical treatments. Patients can use the codeword ‘Dr. Viola’ to signal that they have experienced violence. Current training programs for protection officers are nearing completion, but officials noted that new funding must be secured to continue the project.