Critical staff shortages force Aarhus University Hospital to outsource micro-surgery patients

Aarhus University Hospital’s highly specialised micro-surgery unit is in crisis after the dismissal of a head physician in January triggered a wave of resignations, leaving the department so understaffed that patients are now being transferred to other hospitals or treated by temporary surgeons flown in from Sweden, according to a new report obtained by Danish broadcaster DR.

The hospital’s Plastic and Breast Surgery Department, which performs some of Denmark’s most complex reconstructive procedures—often for cancer or trauma patients—has seen its team of five micro-surgery specialists dwindle to just two, with one on long-term sick leave. Nine patients have already been referred to other university hospitals to ensure timely treatment, confirmed acting head physician Troels Fogh Pedersen.

“As a surgeon, I can’t guarantee they receive exactly the same treatment as before,” Pedersen admitted. “But the care they receive is assessed by a cross-disciplinary team and is professionally defensible. That is our focus.”

The Danish Health Authority has requested two separate reports from the hospital’s leadership but has not yet intervened, though it continues to monitor the situation closely. A broader national review of micro-surgery capacity is scheduled for 28 May.

Purnima Erichsen (K), chair of Aarhus Health Council and a regional councillor, called the collapse of the unit “deeply regrettable,” emphasising the hospital’s obligation to maintain top-tier specialised care. “We’re a university hospital—we cannot afford to lose ground in these highly advanced fields. Now we’ll have to rebuild, but right now, the priority is ensuring solutions for patients,” she said.

Anders G. Christensen (V), regional council chair for Central Denmark Region, acknowledged the “difficult position” but insisted progress was being made. “I’d prefer we were stronger, but we’re moving in the right direction. It will take time—I won’t sugarcoat that,” he told DR.

The Health Authority has not yet found grounds for direct intervention but will continue tracking the department’s long-term recovery plan.