Sollefteå Hospital is facing major cuts. Earlier this year it was announced that the children's ward would close, and the countdown to more department closures has begun.
Minister of Energy and Enterprise Ebba Busch (KD) visited the hospital today and presented news that the National Board of Health and Welfare will initiate a pilot project for so-called emergency hospitals in 2026.
"I have been sharply critical of the fact that certain basic surgical skills, IVF and childbirth are disappearing from Sollefteå Hospital," says Busch.
More care places in the north
The National Board of Health and Welfare will investigate which hospital is best suited for the pilot – and Sollefteå Hospital will be given special consideration in the selection. The hospitals in Arvika, Ljungby and Enköping may also be considered, according to the minister.
These are some examples of hospitals that are at risk of losing substantial parts of their operations or being closed down completely, and given that we need more care places throughout Sweden, not least in the north, this puts Sollefteå Hospital in a special situation.
SEK 100 million will be allocated annually during 2026–2029 to implement the project.
The mission will be carried out together with the Armed Forces and the regions. In Sollefteå, the Armed Forces are now investing billions in the new regiment, but the rearmament is being slowed down by healthcare cuts in the Västernorrland region.
Busch: An outstretched hand
Will this save businesses from going out of business?
It's up to the region. This is an extended hand from the state to the region to retain the hospital expertise that would otherwise end up elsewhere and be several hours away for residents on rather poor roads, says Ebba Busch.
The Defense Committee, where all parliamentary parties sit, has also pointed out that Sweden needs emergency hospitals and chairman Jörgen Berglund (M) has ruled out Sollefteå and believes that Umeå is better suited because Norrland's only university hospital is located there.
The National Board of Health and Welfare will point out where the pilot is best suited, Busch replies.
An oral interim report must be submitted on August 15, 2026 and a final report on March 31, 2027.
Corrected: An earlier version incorrectly described when the maternity ward at the hospital had to close. The correct detail is that it referred to the children's ward.
