Norway’s National Audit Office criticizes Health Platform implementation at St. Olav’s Hospital in Trondheim

Last week, Norway’s National Audit Office released a scathing report regarding the implementation of the Health Platform at St. Olav’s Hospital and within Trondheim municipality. The report indicates that the introduction of the new patient journal system poses a threat to patient safety and has diminished the efficiency of patient care. Subsequently, union representatives at St. Olav’s are calling for the board of Health Midt-Norge to be dismissed.

Vivi Bakkeheim, the main union representative at St. Olav’s Hospital, emphasized that the report should have consequences to restore trust within the region. Several unions, including the Norwegian Medical Association and the Norwegian Nurses Organization, have collectively urged Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre to establish a new board for the health enterprise.

Bakkeheim highlighted that the audit office pointed out a lack of competence among decision-makers, insufficient emphasis on patient safety, and poor coordination among boards. In light of these issues, it is crucial to reevaluate the composition of the governing board to ensure the necessary expertise for making critical decisions.

Lindy Jarosh-von Schweder, a representative for the Academics Union in Health Midt-Norge, noted that many of their members are advocating for changes to the board or anticipate reforms following the audit report. However, she pointed out that it is ultimately the Ministry of Health and Care Services that will decide whether the current board possesses the required trust and competence.

The report described the implementation of the Health Platform as “strongly critical,” a rare designation reserved for significant deficiencies that could have severe implications for individuals or society. The audit indicated that the system is perceived as unintuitive, complex, and time-consuming, often requiring staff to spend excessive time searching for information. As of now, the Health Platform is operational in 28 municipalities and seven hospitals, with two new hospitals and six municipalities soon to follow.