Elderly woman dies alone after transfer from Oulu to Pudasjärvi during Midsummer holiday

An 84-year-old woman, Sinikka Helkimo, was transferred from the emergency department in Oulu to a ward in Pudasjärvi over the Midsummer holiday, where she died alone. Since the establishment of new welfare areas, patients have increasingly been moved far from their home locales, which has been particularly challenging for the elderly. Advocates for elderly rights emphasize the necessity for patients and their families to receive timely information and to have loved ones present during their final moments.

According to the North Ostrobothnia welfare area, 90% of patients are now placed closer to home, and the time spent in the emergency department has decreased. Despite these figures, cases of patients being transferred long distances from emergency care have been reported across Finland, raising concerns from experts like social policy professor Teppo Kröger. He notes that as ward places are reduced, the risk of elderly patients being relocated further from their residences increases.

Helkimo’s daughter, Johanna, shared that her mother had been in relatively good condition, despite suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other health issues. Tragically, Sinikka spent her last days in a ward far from her family, even though she had moved to Oulu the previous year to be closer to them.

Before her passing, she had a brief visit with her granddaughter. On the morning after Midsummer, she was found in a confused state at her supported living facility, leading to an ambulance call. She was later sent back to Pudasjärvi after a medical evaluation. Following her death, the family was left to arrange her transportation back to Oulu. Advocates emphasize the need for improved communication and support for families during such distressing times.