Akureyri Municipality and Icelandic government agree on financing essential renovations at Hlíð nursing home

A recent agreement between Akureyri Municipality and the Icelandic government will see the financing of essential renovations at the Hlíð nursing home, which will cost around 1.2 billion Icelandic krónur. The funding will be provided by the state, resolving a long-standing dispute regarding the financial responsibilities.

Renovation work at Hlíð, which began before the New Year, has been delayed, impacting the availability of care spaces. As a result, over 20 nursing places have been closed, contributing to a record waitlist of more than 80 elderly individuals seeking accommodation at the facility. Many of those awaiting placement are currently hospitalized at Akureyri Hospital, unable to return home due to a lack of alternatives. Reports indicate that approximately 22% of the hospital’s beds are occupied by patients in this situation.

The state has identified critical issues, including mold and moisture damage, that have been evident since November 2022, prompting the closure of multiple rooms—an issue raised long before these findings. The planned renovations aim to address these pressing concerns through necessary repairs to roofs, windows, and utilities, as well as enhancements to fire safety and compliance with health ministry standards for nursing homes.

It is projected that the renovations will be completed before the end of next year, which is crucial for alleviating the ongoing pressure on nursing home spaces in the region. The improvements are expected to bring the facility to an acceptable and improved condition, thereby enhancing care for the elderly population in Akureyri and surrounding areas.