The Swedish government has reportedly designated the threatened Sollefteå Hospital as a possible emergency preparedness hospital, according to Swedish media reports. Energy and Industry Minister Ebba Busch visited the hospital on March 25, 2026 to announce that a pilot project for so-called emergency preparedness hospitals will begin this year.
The National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) has been tasked with conducting the pilot project, which aims to counteract the reduction in hospital beds, particularly in northern Sweden. Sollefteå Hospital, which faces major cutbacks including the closure of its maternity ward announced in February 2026, will be specially considered for the pilot.
The hospital has been the subject of extensive protests due to ongoing reductions in departments. The Defense Preparedness Council, where all parliamentary parties sit, has noted that Sweden needs emergency hospitals, though there is some disagreement about the best location, with some preferring Umeå over Sollefteå.
The pilot project will include interim reporting on August 15, 2026 and final reporting on March 31, 2027. The National Board of Health and Welfare will reportedly replace regional costs associated with maintaining capacity that can be utilized during heightened preparedness and wartime.