Helse Møre og Romsdal plans budget cuts amidst backlash from Nordmøre politicians

Helse Møre og Romsdal is currently facing financial challenges, needing to cut at least 200 million NOK from its budget for the upcoming year. They are currently overspending by a million NOK daily and are projected to incur a deficit of 500 million NOK. This year’s budget cuts are compounded by an additional 300 million NOK tied to the implementation of the Health Platform, with funding reductions expected to stretch over several years.

The proposed budget cuts have provoked significant backlash, especially among politicians in Nordmøre, who believe the suggested measures will adversely impact their region the most. Key proposals under consideration that have sparked strong reactions include relocating rehabilitation services from Aure to Ålesund and potentially not staffing the pediatric ward at the new hospital for Nordmøre and Romsdal overnight. The most contentious proposal appears to be the decision to shift a prosthetic surgery project from Kristiansund to Hjelset starting in spring 2025.

Ingrid Ovidie Rangønes, a local political leader, has voiced concerns that cuts seem excessively harsh on Nordmøre, emphasizing the need for the government to respond effectively to these challenges. Additionally, the Kristiansund Senterparti party has protested by boycotting a recent nominating meeting to underscore their objections to the proposed changes.

The executive director of Helse Møre og Romsdal acknowledged the disappointment regarding the prosthetic surgery move but clarified that there was never an official plan for these procedures to take place in Kristiansund. He emphasized that day surgery services in orthopedics and gynecology would still be available in Kristiansund and that a broad array of services would remain accessible. He added that discussions around the future of prosthetic surgeries would continue following the completion of an ongoing pilot program in 2027.