Hospital of the “Brothers of Mercy”
History and Development
The Hospital of the Brothers of Mercy in St. Veit an der Glan was founded in 1876. Its origins lie in the charitable mission of Saint John of God, who devoted his life to the compassionate care of the sick and needy.
Over the decades, the facility has undergone several phases of expansion and modernisation. The 1970s and 1990s saw major improvements, with the addition of new treatment areas, patient-friendly rooms, and modern medical departments. Between 2023 and 2024, a state-of-the-art operating and intensive care centre was built, linking the north and west wings of the hospital.
Medical Services
Each year, more than 10,000 inpatients and around 15,000 outpatients are treated here.
Key medical specialities include:
– General and abdominal surgery
– Internal medicine
– Gynaecology and obstetrics
– Anaesthesia and intensive care
– Radiology (including CT and MRI)
– Palliative care.
The hospital is also home to several specialised centres, such as a certified breast centre, a bowel and pancreatic cancer centre, and a wound care centre operating to the highest quality standards.
Pioneering Palliative Care
In 2004, Carinthia’s first palliative care unit was opened at the hospital. Today, it is a widely respected facility for supporting seriously ill patients. In 2024, it received the “German Palliative Care Seal” – making it one of only four institutions in Austria to receive this recognition.
Sustainability and Environmental Awareness
The hospital is committed to environmental sustainability, with measures including photovoltaic systems, energy efficiency initiatives, and EMAS environmental certification. In 2024, it was awarded a Best Practice Award for climate-friendly healthcare facilities.
Architectural Features
This historical building was designed in the 19th century in an eclectic style with strong Neo-Baroque influences. It was built as a hospital by the Brothers Hospitallers (Barmherzige Brüder), a Catholic religious order.
The most prominent feature is the central bell tower, which has a tall spire and a cross on top.
The facade is symmetrical and is decorated with pilasters. The ground floor features rusticated stonework, which gives the base a solid and heavy appearance.
The main doorway is arched and above the entrance is a triangular decorative pediment. The building has several rectangular windows and oculi (round windows), which let light into the interior.
Two side wings extend from the main block, forming a U-shaped layout, which was common in hospital architecture.
Historical Photographs
Image Source: Archive of the Municipal Authority of St. Veit an der Glan
Hospital of the “Brothers of Mercy”
Picture Postcard (c. 1925)
Hospital of the “Brothers of Mercy”
Photograph taken in 1962