Sollefteå Hospital is facing major cuts. In February, it was announced that the maternity ward (BB) would close, and a countdown for more departments has begun, prompting widespread protests.
Minister of Energy and Enterprise Ebba Busch (KD) is visiting the hospital today to announce a pilot for so-called emergency hospitals starting in 2026.
"I have been sharply critical of the fact that certain basic surgical skills, IVF and childbirth are disappearing from Sollefteå Hospital," says Busch.
More care places in the north
The National Board of Health and Welfare will be tasked with identifying where the pilot project is best suited - and Sollefteå Hospital will be given special consideration in the selection. The hospitals in Arvika, Ljungby and Enköping may also be considered, according to the minister.
These are examples of hospitals that are at risk of losing substantial parts of their operations or of being closed down completely, and, given that we need more care places throughout Sweden - not least in the north - this puts Sollefteå Hospital in a special situation, she says.
SEK 100 million will be allocated annually during 2026-2029 to implement the project.
The mission will be carried out together with the Armed Forces and the regions. In Sollefteå, the Armed Forces are now investing billions in the new regiment, but the rearmament is being slowed by healthcare cuts in the Västernorrland region.
Busch: An outstretched hand
Will this save services from closure?
"It's up to the region. This is an outstretched hand from the state to the region to retain the hospital expertise that would otherwise end up elsewhere and be several hours away for residents, especially on quite poor roads," says Ebba Busch.
The Defense Committee, where all parliamentary parties sit, has also pointed out that Sweden needs emergency hospitals, and its chairman Jörgen Berglund (M) has ruled out Sollefteå and said Umeå is better suited because it is home to Norrland's only university hospital.
"The National Board of Health and Welfare will point out where the pilot is best suited," Busch replies.
An oral interim report must be submitted on August 15, 2026, and a final report on March 31, 2027.
