Savonlinna city council members propose dissociation from South Savo welfare region

A group of city council members in Savonlinna is seeking to dissociate from the South Savo welfare region, Eloisa. Just under half of the council, or 20 members, have signed a proposal urging the city to explore the possibility of changing welfare regions. Welfare region boundaries largely correspond to provincial borders, meaning a shift could transfer Savonlinna into a different province, altering its electoral district as well.

The proposal mentions that Savonlinna feels disadvantaged compared to Mikkeli, with local council members expressing concerns that budget cuts are disproportionately affecting their city. There is significant anxiety over the future of the central hospital in Savonlinna. A recent video discusses why emergency services in various hospitals may be reduced due to legislative changes.

The initiative is backed by Eija Stenberg, a social democratic councilor and chair of the city council. Stenberg, who also serves on Eloisa’s board, critiques the decision-making process within the welfare region, claiming that Savonlinna’s needs are overlooked. She specifically criticizes Eloisa’s director, Santeri Seppälä, for favoring Mikkeli, asserting that he failed to adequately defend Savonlinna’s hospital during recent evaluations.

The proposal has garnered support mainly from the social democratic group and other council factions. However, it has not yet been circulated widely among all council groups, suggesting that it may gain more backing during discussions.

Currently, the proposal does not specify which welfare region Savonlinna would join if it separates from South Savo. Options might include North Savo or the welfare regions of North and South Karelia. While theoretically possible, the Ministry of Finance emphasizes that such a separation would be complicated and labor-intensive, with director Seppälä doubting the conditions for a successful exit are met, especially given longer waiting times in North Savo.