Stefán Magnússon elected vice-chair of ÖBÍ

Stefán Magnússon has been elected vice-chair of ÖBÍ, a rights organisation, at its annual meeting, held over the past two days, mbl.is reports. He is executive director of the Icelandic Rheumatism Association and succeeds Vilhjálmur Hjálmarsson.

Ingibjörg Elísabet Garðarsdóttir, a substitute board member of the Endometriosis Association, was elected treasurer, replacing Jón Heiðar Jónsson.

ÖBÍ also passed a resolution describing rehabilitation services in Iceland as inadequate. The organisation said services were lacking, waiting lists were long and applications were frequently rejected. It warned that this could leave people unable to support themselves, worsen illness and reduce quality of life, while increasing pressure on health and welfare services, extending absences from education and work, limiting participation in society and raising costs.

The organisation said rehabilitation in mental health services and for other marginalised groups needed particular attention. It called on the authorities to take targeted action without delay to ensure adequate rehabilitation services throughout the country.