The maternity ward at the hospital in Kristiansund was unable to reopen after the summer due to low staffing. That says something about how fragile the offer was, believes the managing director of Helse Møre og Romsdal.
Less than 20 minutes ago
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After a period of summer closure, the maternity ward at Kristiansund Hospital was to open its doors again for women in labor on 25 July.
However, it has not been possible to open the department due to a lack of staffing, according to the managing director of Helse Møre og Romsdal, Øyvind Bakke.
It was The online newspaper who first mentioned the matter.
This is the maternity ward that was the basis for the much-discussed “bunads guerrilla”, which received, among other things, warm support and a promise to reopen from then-opposition politician Trygve Slagsvold Vedum (Sp).
– It is primarily a shame for many employees who have worked for many years in this maternity ward, and especially for the midwives and childcare workers who have been carriers of continuity, says Bakke to VG.
– What is important for our employees now is that we get a clarification.
Decision from the Storting
And you parliamentary resolution from May 2020, the Storting asks the government to ensure that the maternity ward in Kristiansund stays open until the new hospital at Hjelset is in operation.
The planned opening for the new hospital is spring 2025, according to the websites of Helse Møre and Romsdal.
– It is particularly challenging when the Storting puts so much pressure on keeping one department open. It creates expectations, but ultimately it is my responsibility to ensure that the offer is justifiable, says Bakke.
To be able to stay open, the department must have at least four gynecologists, according to Bakke. At present, they have two gynecologists, as well as a head of department who divides his time between Molde and Kristiansund.
He points out that there is a shortage of gynecologists both nationally and internationally.
– Do you think the department will open again?
– We have worked hard to get it done for 18 months and we managed to keep a five-day post office open for three weeks. The fact that we are unable to reopen says something about how fragile the offer was, and how difficult it is to recruit.
Helse Møre og Romsdal offered 100 percent follow-up services for everyone with a long journey as only the maternity ward in Molde was open.
–Matter of the heart
As finance minister, Trygve Slagsvold Vedum (Sp) visited the employees of the maternity ward on 24 June with a cake, according to Nettavisen.
The government has sent funds directly to the department, specifically NOK 25 million, the newspaper writes.
– I have spent quite a lot of time at Kristiansund hospital, said Vedum to the local newspaper Demands of the times during the visit.
– I am glad that we were able to prioritize funds. It is completely unique. After all, it is the only hospital that has received funds directly.
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