Record complaints filed regarding social and healthcare services in Northern Finland

In Northern Finland, the Regional State Administrative Agency recorded a total of 491 complaints related to social and healthcare services from January to October this year. This figure exceeds the total number of complaints filed last year by the end of October. Out of the current year’s complaints, 300 pertain to healthcare, while 191 concern social services. Notably, the number of healthcare-related complaints has risen significantly. In 2023, there were 246 recorded complaints, compared to 235 the previous year.

According to the agency’s healthcare unit head, many healthcare complaints focus on the quality and content of care or services and accessibility in line with treatment guarantee regulations. There has been increased demand for the agency’s services, especially in managing the provider registry for social and healthcare services, which is currently under strain due to the volume of private providers. The agency is working to alleviate this backlog under directives from the Ministry.

Significantly, many complaints have been redirected to a quicker resolution process where patients receive rapid feedback. Recently, the agency resolved all social and healthcare complaints pending for over 18 months, with nearly 60% transitioned to local welfare districts or private service providers.

Additionally, this year has seen a surge in appeals, particularly concerning special care services, with 45 appeals received—double the number from last year. The agency has raised concerns regarding the management of disability services and intends to conduct an oversight inspection by the year’s end. Typical social service complaints include issues related to service quality, restrictions on individual rights, procedural errors, and service arrangements, contrasting with last year’s figures.