South Ostrobothnia health authority allowed to proceed with ward closures

The Administrative Court of Finland has ruled that the South Ostrobothnia wellbeing services county may begin implementing its decision to close hospital wards and restructure service networks, despite pending appeals.

In an interim decision issued on 23 April, the court found no grounds to block enforcement of the February resolution by the regional council, which approved cuts to inpatient wards in Kurikka, Ilmajoki, Jalasjärvi, and Lapua, as well as the relocation of Jurva’s round-the-clock care unit to Jalasjärvi.

Five separate appeals were filed against the council’s decision, some of which explicitly sought to halt implementation. The court’s ruling allows the health authority to move forward while the appeals process continues.

The regional council had already initiated enforcement procedures in a subsequent meeting following its initial February vote.