In Favoriten prison, for example, there were no psychiatric staff at all for two and a half years. According to media reports, a few hours per week have been filled since March 2026. "This is just a drop in the ocean," emphasises Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz in an interview with Ö1 Mittagsjournal.
In "Zeit im Bild", the Ombudswoman emphasises that mentally ill people in prison have special care needs. "This can also be a challenge for specialised staff. All the more reason for me to appeal to the responsible Ministry of Justice to quickly improve the working conditions for psychiatrists in prisons."
Photo: Austrian Ombudsman Board/Michael Gruber