Vantaa and Kerava plan to hire 450 staff in 2027

Vantaa and Kerava’s wellbeing services county could hire about 450 additional employees next year, according to a 2027 budget proposal presented by county director Timo Aronkytö, Yle reports. The county provides social and health services.

The proposal forecasts a surplus of 77 million euros next year. If the regional council approves the budget in December, 230 employees would be recruited for different services, including 40 nurses and 26 doctors for health centres.

More than 200 other employees would take over work currently purchased from private providers. The services brought in-house would include units providing child protection, care for older people, and housing services for people with disabilities and adults.

The proposal also aims to increase the number of personal doctors, improve access to care and expand help provided at home. It promises children and young people mental health support without unreasonable waits, as well as earlier support for families facing difficulties.

Despite the forecast surplus, Aronkytö has proposed raising fees for health centre and dental services. A health centre doctor’s appointment currently costs 30.20 euros for residents of Vantaa and Kerava; a proposed increase of 10 percent would bring the fee to about 33.20 euros. The regional council will make the final decision on the fee increases in December.