Hospitals in Finland face overcrowding in emergency services amid summer demand

Many hospitals in Finland are currently grappling with overcrowding in emergency services during the summer months. This issue is often exacerbated not by staffing shortages, but by the number of patients seeking care. Many individuals opt for emergency services even when it’s not necessary, heading to these facilities for issues that could wait until the next day.

The emergency department is intended for conditions that cannot afford to wait, and patients are advised against going simply because their nearest health center is closed. This summer has witnessed an unprecedented number of closures, further intensifying the pressures on emergency departments.

To raise awareness about when to use emergency services, residents are encouraged to test their knowledge on the appropriate response for various medical situations through a quiz designed in collaboration with Terhi Savolainen, the head physician of the North Karelia well-being district’s emergency services.

The quiz features scenarios ranging from minor injuries, such as a splinter, to more serious concerns like chest pain or severe allergic reactions, prompting respondents to choose between contacting primary health care, visiting emergency services, or calling emergency numbers. This initiative aims to educate the public about accessing emergency care responsibly and understanding when it’s truly necessary.