Region Zealand in Denmark to invest 18.5 million kronor to reduce jaw surgery wait times

Region Zealand in Denmark is set to invest a total of 18.5 million Danish kronor (approximately $2.8 million) over the next two years to reduce long wait times for jaw surgeries at Sjællands University Hospital in Køge. This decision was reached on Tuesday night by local politicians, who allocated 6.5 million kronor for 2025 and nearly 12 million for subsequent years.

Patients in Zealand have reported waiting up to ten years for jaw surgery, with some unable to seek treatment in other regions due to legal restrictions. Trine Birk Andersen, chair of Region Zealand and a member of the Social Democrats, expressed satisfaction with the funding decision, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address excessive waiting periods. “I definitely think this can make a difference,” she said.

The newly allocated funds will implement a novel surgical technique expected to halve operation times, potentially allowing for an additional 100 surgeries annually. Currently, around 500 patients remain on lengthy waiting lists, but Andersen is optimistic that this investment will lead to a significant reduction in wait times.

Among those awaiting treatment is Kristine Wiese, who suffers from daily pain and headaches. Wiese welcomed the new financial commitment but voiced frustration over the delay in addressing the problem. “It is concerning that they don’t listen to residents until the issue is highlighted in the media,” she remarked, recalling her previous appeals for action.

While the new method is not expected to be implemented until 2025, Andersen stated that the region will continuously monitor progress in reducing wait times. The timeline for when wait times will reach more acceptable levels remains uncertain.