Eastern Uusimaa deploys mobile health unit after clinic closures

Eastern Uusimaa has begun using what is believed to be Finland’s only mobile social and health care vehicle to provide limited health services in three municipalities where health centres have closed, Yle reports.

The vehicle began operating in mid-September in Pukkila, Myrskylä and Lapinjärvi. All services at the municipalities’ health centres ended at the start of June as part of savings measures by the regional authority.

A nurse provides services by appointment, including injections, diabetes and blood pressure checks, stitch removal, and medication and other advice. There is no doctor on board, although nurses can consult one during visits. Vaccinations and social care services are not available.

Appointments are offered in Pukkila on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, in Myrskylä on Tuesdays from 12.30 to 2 p.m., and in Lapinjärvi on Thursdays from 9.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The vehicle only travels to a municipality when appointments have been booked and leaves when those visits are over.

HUS Lab is also opening limited laboratory services in the three municipalities during the autumn, on the same days and at the same times as the vehicle. The laboratory in Lapinjärvi opened last week. These services also require appointments.

Use of the new vehicle has been limited so far, with more appointment slots available than users. Residents have expressed interest and said they would also like access to a doctor, nurse Maija Suntio told Yle. The regional authority says the service is still finding its place.

The vehicle is leased for about 1,400 euros a month. Its staff come from health centres in Porvoo and Loviisa, and no additional employees have been hired. The service was introduced after substantial savings led to the closure of health services in the three municipalities, with further savings expected.