The financial concerns of the Riviera-Chablais Hospital (HRC) occupied the Valais Grand Council on Wednesday. Like the health departments of the cantons of Vaud and Valais, Parliament validated the HRC’s request to extend the deadline for achieving financial balance by two years.
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This extension to the end of 2028 was accepted by all political groups. However, they deplored the economic situation of the bicantonal establishment. In 2023, the HRC closed its accounts with a deficit of 12.4 million francs, or 8.2 million more than budgeted.
“Our Interparliamentary Commission for Control of the HRC will remain attentive to the problem of the negative equity of the hospital and the possible consequences of its over-indebtedness,” summarized the president-rapporteur Jérôme Guérin. “The members of our commission hope that the two Councils of State will, in the coming months, make proposals that can be accepted by the two Grand Councils, in order to allow the HRC liner to continue sailing.”
Validated internship places
In order to relieve emergency room congestion at Rennaz Hospital, the Interparliamentary Control Commission also invites the HRC to consider the possibilities of strengthening the offer in its offices in Vevey and Monthey. “It is important to inform and guide the population on the care offered, particularly for small emergencies,” specifies the elected PLR of Vionnaz (VS).
The Commission also wishes to obtain information on the security and financial risks linked to construction defects awaiting repair. The Commission considers that the general contractor in charge of the work must fully cover the repair costs and any possible shortfall for HRC in the event of a cessation of activity.
At the end of the debate, State Councilor Mathias Reynard revealed that the HRC would now offer six training places for trainees from the Monthey Higher Health School (ES), thus responding to a wish of the Grand Council.
