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.