A severe shortage of clean clothing at Norrlands universitetssjukhus in Umeå has forced hospital staff to use dirty garments or ill-fitting alternatives, raising concerns about potential infection spread. According to reports from SVT Nyheter Västerbotten, the clothing crisis affects both patients and staff at the regional hospital.
The problem stems from a renegotiated contract with supplier Textilia in Långsele, which has led to textile shortages. Hospital personnel have reportedly resorted to using patient clothing, maternity wear, and even colleagues' soiled garments. At times, the clothing supply has been virtually empty.
From Kommunal's side, we have demanded that a proper risk assessment and follow-up be conducted
Jan Marklund, a nurse and chief safety representative for the Kommunal union in Umeå, stated that issues with staff clothing have persisted for about a month, while patient textile problems have existed since November. "From Kommunal's side, we have demanded that a proper risk assessment and follow-up be conducted," Marklund said.
Region Västerbotten officials attribute part of the problem to a transition from a manual system to an automated, digitalized system for tracking textile needs. Logistics chief Mattias Norrman acknowledged that the new system hasn't worked fully, saying, "It has gotten better, but we need to continue developing the system. So it will probably be a bit shaky for a relatively long period."
It has gotten better, but we need to continue developing the system. So it will probably be a bit shaky for a relatively long period
Under the previous system with Textilia, staff could only collect a limited number of garments per week. The new digital system, which registers clothing via chips in each item, theoretically allows unlimited withdrawals, creating inventory management challenges.