The Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic (MZ SR) informs that from 1 March 2026 there is the cessation of the operation of ambulatory emergency services (APS) for adults at the Rehabilitation Hospital Agel Hlohovec. The cessation of ambulatory on-call time is the result of an operator's request to cancel the mandate due to a lack of staffing.
The Ministry of Health analysed the situation, repeatedly discussed with health care providers, representatives of the Trnava Self-Governing Region and with Hlohovec's management, which also actively sought to address the situation for the benefit of citizens. However, at the request of the APS organizer and the impossibility of guaranteeing personal security, MZ SR had to decide to cancel the mandate.
Of course, I am not pleased with the situation, first of all with regard to the Hlohovec population. We tried to solve the situation with both hospital and department management, but we failed to do so because of the mass statements made by district doctors. Hlohovec Mayor Ivan Baranovich responded.
Rehabilitation hospital Agel Hlohovec, which operated APS under the authority of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic, faced mass statements by general practitioners for adults providing emergency services. Despite several months of efforts and negotiations, it has not been possible to find a solution to ensure continued and safe operation.
The average number of treated patients on APS in Hlohovec from 24 June 2025 was 8.4 patients per day, with an average of 4.3 patients on working days and 17.5 patients on weekends and holidays.
Patients from Hlohovec and surroundings can use the nearest APS in Trnava, Piešťany or Nitra in case of sudden deterioration of health outside their general physician's office hours.
Outpatient emergency services are intended for cases of sudden change in health which does not immediately endanger life or vital functions. In the event of life-threatening conditions, emergency hospital or emergency emergency services are available to patients. 155.
The network of ambulatory emergency services in Slovakia currently consists of 76 fixed points for adults and 40 fixed points for children and adolescents. The list is publicly available on the website of the Slovak Ministry of Health.

At the same time, the Ministry of Health reminds citizens of the possibility to use the free 116 117 helpline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. On this line, health professionals provide expert advice in the face of common health problems that do not require immediate intervention by the emergency health service. Operators will advise how to handle the situation at home, or recommend when to seek medical attention.