Pirkanmaa says disability service talks will not cut staff

Yle reports that joint cooperation negotiations over planned changes to services for people with intellectual disabilities in Finland’s Pirkanmaa wellbeing services county will affect fewer than 20 employees, with the employer proposing no staff reductions.

The information comes from a decision made by the wellbeing services county director on Wednesday. The negotiations concern healthcare staff in demanding special services for older people and disability services within Pirkanmaa’s demanding special services.

The employer plans to transfer healthcare expert services to the outpatient services division. Pirkanmaa says the change aims to ensure equal access to healthcare services throughout the region and to create a consistent structure for organising care.

The negotiations could lead to significant changes in the terms of employees’ service relationships on grounds that could justify dismissal. If an employee refuses such a change, their employment could end.

Yle first reported on Tuesday that the negotiations were linked to Pirkanmaa’s plans to organise care for clients with intellectual disabilities in a new way.

From the beginning of next year, the disability services outpatient clinic is planned to focus mainly on patients with more severe disabilities. Clients with milder intellectual disabilities would primarily be directed to primary healthcare.

Pirkanmaa says the reform is intended to bring services into line with the new Disability Services Act and is also connected to a shortage of qualified doctors. Some outpatient clinic work has already been transferred to health centres because of the doctor shortage. Preparations for the change are still under way, and further information is expected after the cooperation negotiations.