The report from the consulting firm EY is the basis for the criticized proposal to close down large parts of Sollefteå hospital and refer patients to Sundsvall and Örnsköldsvik.
Cold facts reveal in the Local Scandals program that the report contains a long list of errors – on at least 50 of the 277 pages.
And in an interview with Glenn Nordlund (S), chairman of the regional board until 2024, it turns out that he has not read the entire report.
– I have skimmed certain parts and immersed myself in others, says Glenn Nordlund (S).
– I haven’t gone through every single number. It is a report of nearly 300 pages, he says.
Isn’t it reasonable that you read all 300 pages before you present the proposal?
– I have gone through all 300 pages.
You said you skimmed.
– I have read them with a slightly different focus. I have gone through some parts maybe a little more carefully than others, says Glenn Nordlund (S).
Criticism from nursing staff and residents
Criticism of the proposal has been harsh both from healthcare staff and residents in the region. Ambulance drivers and nurses have discovered errors on at least 50 of the region’s 277 pages, including about distances between places and the extent of the care that is provided today.
The Regional Council’s response
– We know that there has been criticism that there were things that were not quite right. But on the whole, the starting point is that we have to review the possibilities of using the collected resources in the county, says Glenn Nordlund (S).
According to him, the region is now looking over the shortcomings together with its own medical expertise. He points out that there are major economic challenges in the region that mean they have to act, while at the same time highlighting patient safety as important.
– I find it difficult to see that a decision should be made on a proposal that shows that it has such serious consequences, he says.
“Underfunded care”
Glenn Nordlund has today been succeeded as chairman of the Västernorrland regional board by Sara Nylund (S). She did not want to appear for a taped interview after the program. In an email to TV4, she writes that:
– Health care is fundamentally underfunded by the state. Västernorrland has a small population base, but must still deliver the same care and quality as other regions. With the resources and conditions we have, not all types of care can be provided at all three hospital locations. Several reports show that we have the highest costs in the country for hospital care, while our primary care is underfunded, writes Sara Nylund (S).