UKC Maribor leadership fails to reach deal with interventional radiologists, who resign

Negotiations between the leadership of the University Medical Centre (UKC) Maribor and a group of interventional radiologists have collapsed, leading to the radiologists' collective resignation on July 1. Despite repeated attempts to secure an agreement, the hospital leadership announced they could not persuade the specialists to continue their work.

According to UKC Maribor, the radiologists' demands were inconsistent, changing and escalating weekly. Although mediators confirmed that agreements were reached on several occasions, the radiologists reportedly withdrew their commitment when it came time to sign new employment contracts. The hospital stated that after initial agreements on payment structures and salary increases, the radiologists introduced new demands, including the establishment of a special unit for interventional radiology, which was also met.

However, just before the contract signing deadline, the radiologists allegedly presented further demands, including the resignation of the general director and the professional director. "This was an agreement to which all parties committed. When it was time to sign new contracts, the radiologists changed their minds and set an additional demand... Even this demand was met, but new demands appeared again, and new conditions were set," the hospital explained.

In response to the crisis, UKC Maribor has turned to other public health institutions for help to cover essential interventional procedures. Concurrently, the hospital plans to reorganize its endovascular surgery and interventional procedures, establishing a multidisciplinary team where interventional radiology will play a key role. The hospital leadership stressed their commitment to ensuring patient care despite the circumstances.

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This was an agreement to which all parties committed. When it was time to sign new contracts, the radiologists changed their minds and set an additional demand... Even this demand was met, but new demands appeared again, and new conditions were set.