Municipality halts assistance for Sonja Midtsand in Malvik, Norway, raising health concerns

Sonja Midtsand, who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS) and obesity, emphasizes the critical importance of getting out of bed for her health. She faces a situation where, without assistance, she risks severe health complications, including infections and reduced lifespan.

For four months, the municipality of Malvik has ceased providing help for Sonja to use a stand-up lift, leaving her husband Gaute to assist her six times a day. Gaute describes the ongoing struggle as exhausting, stating it restricts his ability to manage daily tasks such as shopping or caring for their children and grandchildren, effectively turning their home into a confinement.

Malvik’s municipal director cited health and safety concerns for staff as the reason for halting the use of the stand-up lift, following multiple employee sick leaves and warnings from health services. Although home care services still assist with minimal hygiene tasks, the couple feels the support is insufficient and has contacted legal counsel.

Gaute insists it’s vital for Sonja to meet her basic needs, while their lawyer, Vilde Dahl, argues it’s unacceptable for Sonja to be left in her own waste due to inadequate support. She questions how both the municipality and the regional health authority consider the current arrangements to provide appropriate care.

In an effort to resolve the issue, Malvik has proposed installing a ceiling lift, which has previously caused distress and pain for Sonja during a trial. The couple remains apprehensive but has agreed to another attempt at this solution, with the municipality promising to have the new equipment available for testing next week.