HUS Group negotiates €50 million savings impacting 28,000 employees in Uusimaa

The HUS Group, responsible for specialized healthcare in Uusimaa, is currently undergoing negotiations aimed at achieving annual savings of €50 million. These discussions could impact up to 28,000 employees, with a potential reduction of approximately 990 full-time positions. According to HUS, the cuts will focus on roles not directly related to patient care.

We spoke with three professionals who provide essential services to patients but are not directly involved in nursing. Their job security is at risk due to the nature of their roles.

Juuso Nurminen, a patient transporter at the Meilahti hospital for eight years, facilitates the movement of patients to different departments and assists with the transportation of deceased individuals and equipment. Nurminen finds fulfillment in connecting with patients, helping ease their anxiety before procedures, and cherishing the moments when patients share positive feedback about his contribution to their day.

Jaana Iiskola works as a ward secretary in a surgical unit, managing a blend of administrative tasks without direct contact with patients, who are usually sedated upon arrival. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and technology, handling multiple software applications for billing, admissions, and procedural checks.

Operating in the same hospital, Hamideh “Bita” Ahmadi has spent 13 years as an instrument technician. Her responsibilities include cleaning and sterilizing surgical tools, maintaining strict hygiene protocols, and ensuring all items are in place for surgeries. Ahmadi enjoys her job but fears that staff reductions would increase the workload for remaining employees.