"We will build on the care that already exists and strengthen our capacity to treat many injured people, while ensuring that the regular healthcare system continues to function," says Björn Eriksson, Director General of the National Board of Health and Welfare (Sweden’s health and welfare agency), in a press release.
The National Board of Health and Welfare, together with other authorities, has analyzed how a war could affect Sweden and what demands it would place on the healthcare system. The analysis identifies three areas of the country: northern Sweden, Gotland and the east coast.
"Sweden is diverse, and needs during wartime will vary too. That is why we are not looking for a single solution. Together with the regions, we need to determine what capabilities are required and how they can be developed where they are needed," says Björn Eriksson.
No new hospitals should be built or immediately designated as emergency hospitals.
The four regions in northern Sweden will be the first to jointly develop plans for an emergency hospital.
The regions’ experience will form the basis for the National Board of Health and Welfare’s proposal on what a national concept for emergency hospitals should look like. The proposal must be submitted to the government by 31 March next year.
