Merger hospital AZ Oudenaarde and AZ Glorieux Ronse will not start on January 1: "Start date is unfeasible"

The merger between AZ Oudenaarde and AZ Glorieux in Ronse will not commence on January 1, 2027, as previously planned. Union representatives and a management member confirmed that discussions have been stalled since early October due to unresolved issues. The merger, approved in October 2025, aims to create a hospital with two campuses, focusing on planned care in Oudenaarde and urgent care in Ronse. Concerns among staff have eased somewhat due to the halt in negotiations, but significant uncertainties remain regarding financial investments and service allocations. A new board meeting is scheduled for November 17 to revisit the merger discussions.