Thousands Challenge Closure of Sollefteå Hospital
In early May, the Västernorrland region made a controversial decision to close significant portions of Sollefteå Hospital. This primarily affects specialized care, which will be relocated to coastal hospitals in Sundsvall and Örnsköldsvik. For many patients, this change could mean travel times extending by at least one hour to reach these facilities.
The decision has sparked intense reactions, as evidenced by the influx of appeals received by the administrative court in Umeå. Over 2,400 complaints have already been filed, with estimates suggesting that the total could reach between 3,000 and 4,000, according to Karin Granholm, the presiding judge at the court.
Granholm noted, "I have never seen this volume of unique appeals before. This situation is unprecedented as it involves a hospital closure, which affects a vast number of people." Typically, the Umeå court processes around 2,500 cases annually. The court has even had to assign a full-time attorney to manage the documentation related to the Sollefteå Hospital case. The appeals will be forwarded to the Västernorrland region, allowing them to respond to the concerns raised.
Following the submission of appeals, the court will enter a phase of written exchanges with the region until sufficient information is available to reach a verdict. The court's role is to determine whether the regional decision should be upheld or overturned.
Granholm acknowledged the strong emotions associated with the decision, emphasizing that while the volume of appeals is noteworthy, the court's focus remains on the content of each submission, regardless of the number filed. The deadline for filing appeals has now passed, with a ruling expected no earlier than September. Granholm remarked, "It will take time to review all the material. I haven't even managed to read through everything registered so far."
The Controversy Surrounding the Hospital
Following the regional elections in 2022, a coalition was formed among the Social Democrats, the Centre Party, and the Moderates to govern the Västernorrland region. These parties held differing views on the future of Sollefteå Hospital and ultimately commissioned the consulting firm Ernst & Young to explore three proposals, one from each party. However, the consultants presented a fourth option, recommending that the hospital focus on care for the elderly with multiple health issues while phasing out all specialized services, directing patients needing advanced care to hospitals in Sundsvall or Örnsköldsvik.
The region decided to proceed with the consultants' recommendation. Following an internal investigation, the region's council voted on May 5, 2025, to implement significant closures at the hospital.