According to the hospital, no deliveries will be performed at the ward during weeks 27 to 32. The reduction follows a political decision by the healthcare board made before last summer. Linda Långström, head of the obstetrics and gynecology department, said: "It's really unfortunate that we can't be open as usual and a heavy message to give to affected pregnant women and residents of southern Lapland."
Despite the cutback, the staffing situation has gradually improved over the past year, with stable physician staffing and no reliance on temporary doctors. Two newly trained midwives were hired during the spring term, and one midwife was employed on a fixed-term contract through autumn. Långström noted: "It's a big improvement compared to previous years and a step in the right direction." The six-week closure is shorter than in previous summers.
It's really unfortunate that we can't be open as usual and a heavy message to give to affected pregnant women and residents of southern Lapland.
Emergency gynecology will remain available as usual, and some acute pregnancy cases can be handled up to week 28. However, acute checks for pregnant women will be reduced for four weeks. The gynecology clinic in Lycksele will be open as usual this summer, with gynecological on-call service evenings, nights, and weekends from mid-July, according to multiple reports. It is unclear how many pregnant women are affected or what specific measures are being taken to ensure patient safety during the referral period.
It's a big improvement compared to previous years and a step in the right direction. A major contributing factor is that we managed to hire two newly trained midwives during the spring term and also got a midwife on a fixed-term contract through autumn. We continue to work with employees to develop working methods and operations here in Lycksele and to find long-term solutions for our staffing.