Patients face three-year wait for shoulder examination as doctor shortages worsen in North Jutland

A growing dispute between surgeons and hospital management in North Jutland has led to resignations and soaring wait times, with some patients now facing a three-year delay for basic examinations, *DR* reports.

Karina Hansen, a prison officer from Aalborg, was informed she would not receive a shoulder examination until **January 30, 2029**—nearly three years after her injury. The 37-year-old, who fell on icy ground months ago, experiences daily pain and remains on sick leave. If surgery is required, she faces an additional **30-week wait**.

Wait times for foot, hand, and shoulder examinations have surged in North Jutland, a crisis doctors attribute to **poor collaboration with regional hospital leadership**. Several surgeons in orthopedic departments have resigned, citing unworkable demands—including a mandate to cover night shifts at other hospitals.

Staff had warned management in a formal letter that the policy risked reducing activity and prompting resignations, but their concerns were dismissed, said Karsten Hindsholm, a senior physician representative.

*”The work environment has completely broken down,”* Hindsholm told *DR*. *”Unfortunately, things unfolded exactly as we predicted.”*

Søren Hjortshøj, medical director at Aalborg University Hospital, acknowledged the policy—implemented to ensure 24/7 staffing at emergency hospitals amid budget constraints—had backfired. Instead of hiring costly temporary doctors, the region redirected its own surgeons.

*”At the time, we saw no alternative,”* Hjortshøj admitted. *”But I regret we didn’t engage better with the doctors to balance operations, examinations, and round-the-clock coverage.”*

Facing years of delays, Hansen has opted to use Denmark’s **free hospital choice** system to seek treatment at a private clinic.