According to Region Kalmar län, newly renovated facilities for clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine were inaugurated in Västervik on March 27, 2026. The extensive renovation project, which began with planning decisions in 2020, involved construction work from autumn 2024 through February 2026. The project encompassed approximately 1,000 square meters of renovated space plus a 200-square-meter addition.
The upgraded facility features a new automation system that streamlines sample processing for the entire county. Maria Johansson, an assistant nurse at the clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine department in Västervik, expressed enthusiasm about the completion, stating it was rewarding to be part of the long-awaited project. Tomas Renström, a hospital chemist at the facility, noted that the new premises and automation system improve workflow efficiency and enhance patient safety.
it was rewarding to be part of the long-awaited project
The facility operates around the clock, analyzing samples from across the region. The new automation line consists of multiple analysis instruments that have been given names after cartoon characters, with staff occasionally referring to technical issues as 'Mario or Luigi acting up.'
the new premises and automation system improve workflow efficiency and enhance patient safety