Children’s mental health services to transition from Akureyri Hospital to Health Institution of North Iceland
The children’s and youth mental health team services currently provided at Akureyri Hospital will transition to the Health Institution of North Iceland (HSN) on October 1. This change is intended to enhance continuity of care, according to recent announcements. However, the board of Mental Health Support has expressed concerns that the move is more about budget cuts than improving services, suggesting it might have negative effects.
Jón Helgi Björnsson, the director of HSN, acknowledges these worries but believes the initiative aligns well with existing psychosocial services at the institution. He emphasized the importance of sufficient funding to maintain a strong and effective staff for these essential tasks, stating that both parties agree on the need for proper management.
While Akureyri Hospital will continue to manage more serious and urgent cases, the HSN team will focus on mild to moderate challenges in children’s and youth mental health across North and East Iceland. Björnsson noted that this shift will allow for better local support for children, as the team will have improved connections with primary care services in their respective areas.
When asked if additional funding might be allocated for these changes, he responded positively, indicating that they are optimistic about the potential for stronger services in the future.