New health centre convinces doctor to practice in rural southern Denmark

A major renovation of Augustenborg’s old town hall into a modern health centre has helped attract much-needed doctors to the rural area, reports Danish broadcaster DR.

The 20 million kroner (€2.7m) project, which broke ground this week, will house three general practitioners, physiotherapists, chiropractors and a municipal citizen clinic offering nursing and health services. Completion is expected in 2027.

Didde Lauritzen, chair of Sønderborg Municipality’s health committee, said outdated facilities had long deterred doctors from settling in Augustenborg, despite the area’s appeal. “It wasn’t that Augustenborg was unattractive—it actually was—but the premises were completely outdated,” she told DR.

Josefin Tagesen, one of the three incoming GPs, confirmed the new building was decisive in her choice. “The physical framework was a big factor. We need proper facilities that suit our work, especially as healthcare reforms keep adding tasks to general practice,” she said.

Lauritzen added that access to local healthcare, schools and childcare is critical for attracting and retaining residents in peripheral regions. “This will make a real difference,” she said.

While primary care technically falls under regional authority, the municipality stepped in due to limited regional resources. The centre aims to secure long-term medical coverage in an area previously struggling with doctor shortages.