Norwegian unions demand board replacement after critical report on Health Platform system at St. Olav’s Hospital in Trondheim

Last week, the Norwegian Office of the Auditor General released a critical report regarding the implementation of the Health Platform system at St. Olav’s Hospital and in Trondheim Municipality. They claim that the introduction of the electronic health record system has jeopardized patient safety and diminished the effectiveness of patient care.

Union representatives at St. Olav’s are now calling for the board of Health Mid-Norway to be replaced. Main union representative Vivi Bakkeheim from the Physician’s Association stated that the report’s findings should have consequences to restore trust in the region.

On Sunday evening, several unions, including the Norwegian Medical Association and the Norwegian Nurses’ Union, sent a collective letter to Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre, urging him to appoint a new board for the health enterprise. Bakkeheim highlighted the report’s points on inadequate decision-maker competence, insufficient focus on patient safety, and poor coordination among boards.

Lindy Jarosh-von Schweder, the central union representative for Akademikerne in the board of Health Mid-Norway, stated that many members are also advocating for changes, following the Auditor General’s report. However, she indicated that it is up to the Ministry of Health and Care Services to decide on the board’s competence and trustworthiness.

The Auditor General criticized the overall planning and execution of the Health Platform project as “highly reprehensible,” noting serious weaknesses that could have significant consequences for individuals and society. The report also cited concerns about staff finding the system complex and inefficient, leading to significant time spent searching for information.

Odd Inge Mjøen, Chair of the Board for Health Mid-Norway, acknowledged shortcomings in the implementation process and emphasized that the decision regarding his position is up to the Ministry of Health and Care Services, which appointed him to the role.