Polish emergency departments adopt remote management and face privatization probe

In Bielsko-Biała, the director of the emergency department (SOR) splits his duties between a full‑time on‑site presence and a remote 40‑hour weekly shift, while also overseeing a second SOR in Świdnica. The hospital says remote work is limited to administrative tasks such as drafting documents, preparing procedures and supervising via IT systems, though it also includes patient admissions and triage. A deputy manager covers day‑to‑day operations when the director works remotely, a model introduced to prevent the unit’s possible closure.

In the Lesko county hospital, the SOR was handed over on lease to the private company Cergo 09 after the hospital, burdened with over PLN 120 million in debt, warned of imminent shutdown. The procurement process is under police investigation for alleged collusion, as the winning firm was reportedly known to the hospital director before the tender was announced. The takeover would shift staff contracts to the private operator, raising concerns over employment conditions and the continuation of emergency services.