Danish politician calls for state funding to fix troubled Aalborg hospital

A senior Danish lawmaker has demanded national financial support for Aalborg University Hospital, calling conditions at the newly opened facility “horrible” after multiple unions filed formal complaints over safety risks and operational failures.

Peder Hvelplund, health spokesperson for the left-wing Red-Green Alliance, told public broadcaster DR that the Folketing (Danish parliament) shares responsibility for resolving the crisis, despite regional authorities managing the hospital. He vowed to raise the issue with the incoming health minister once a new government is formed.

“There is an economic aspect here. This is a responsibility that lies with Christiansborg [parliament],” Hvelplund stated, emphasizing the need to ensure proper working conditions for staff and safe treatment for patients in North Jutland.

Unions document systemic failures

Eight unions—including the Danish Nurses’ Council, Younger Doctors, and multiple technical workers’ associations—have submitted joint complaints to the Working Environment Authority and the Danish Patient Safety Authority. Their allegations include:

• Malfunctioning technical installations and inadequate climate control, causing excessive heat
• Defective patient call systems and emergency cords, delaying critical assistance
• Examinations of undressed patients conducted behind glass doors
• Patient data visible from waiting areas
• Glare interfering with diagnostic screen visibility
• Insufficient space for medical record-keeping, risking documentation delays

“This is insanely serious and deeply concerning,” Hvelplund commented. “The conditions described are completely horrible.” He suggested the problems stem from chronic underfunding of hospital construction projects, though he acknowledged leadership failures at the regional level.

Hospital leadership pledges action

In a written response, Aalborg University Hospital management called the union complaints “an unexpected step” but reaffirmed their commitment to patient safety. “North Jutland residents must always feel confident in the safety of our hospital. If any issues arise that could affect patient safety, we act immediately,” the statement read.

The 730,000 m² hospital, one of Denmark’s largest infrastructure projects, opened in 2021 after years of political planning. Critics have long warned of cost-cutting during construction, though regional authorities maintain operational responsibility.