Residents defend local care as Keusote seeks 81 million euros
Friday 2nd October 2026 on 11:15 in
Finland
The Central Uusimaa wellbeing services county is seeking 81 million euros in savings for 2026 to 2029, while residents of Nurmijärvi are concerned about cuts to nearby health services, Yle reports.
The county, known as Keusote, is updating its savings programme to identify further reductions in premises, staff costs and purchased services. Its proposal is due to be considered by the county council on October 29.
Keusote is also revising its service network, moving services from smaller units to larger centres while increasing digital and mobile services. County director Raija Kontio said the six municipalities should be considered as one area rather than through a municipality-by-municipality model.
Residents have previously opposed cuts to local health services. Keusote has decided to close smaller health units in Pornainen, Jokela, Kellokoski and Rajamäki. Services in Jokela and Kellokoski will continue until a new health and social services centre in Tuusula is completed.
In Klaukkala, a community of about 20,000 people, local services are expected to remain, but it has not yet been decided which ones. Resident Petra Mikola said it was important to have child health clinic services nearby. Tarja Parikka said people who work can find it difficult to use online chat services that are open only in the mornings.
The county’s financial position is poor, and it has asked the Ministry of Finance for more time to cover its deficits, until 2029. The ministry has asked Keusote to clarify its savings plans before deciding whether to grant the extension. If the county council cannot agree on savings by October 29, or the proposal is insufficient for the ministry, an assessment procedure could put the county under tighter state control, with decisions on savings transferred to the state.
Keusote has cut about 400 jobs over the past two years and is now holding its fifth round of co-operation negotiations. Kontio said further dismissals and temporary layoffs would affect staff.