End of the long wait for treatment? Government unveils plan for patients
The Norwegian government wants to shorten the waiting time for most planned hospital services. The goal is less than 60 days. Currently, patients wait an average of over five months.
Norway wants to shorten hospital waiting lists. Patients should wait less than 60 days
Fot. Pixabay
The plan was announced on Friday, June 19, by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Health and Care Jan Christian Vestre. The conference took place at Akershus University Hospital. Vestre announced an expansion of the freedom to choose a hospital, so patients can more easily select a facility with a shorter queue. The changes will affect the 'Mitt sykehusvalg' system.
New government goal: shorter queues to see a doctor
The government is setting a new threshold. Most patients should wait less than 60 days for treatment, but this applies to conditions that can wait. It does not concern emergency care. Cancer treatment and other urgent cases are also excluded. According to Vestre, the government's commitment to reducing queues has already shortened waiting lists by about 59,000 patients. The waiting time has dropped to five and a half months.
The minister said this is still too long. Hospitals are to start working on further reducing queues immediately, as stated in the press release after Friday's conference. The goal is to be achieved gradually. The government also wants to simplify the choice of facility. Vestre recalled that the patient's right to "Fritt sykehusvalg" was introduced in 2001. Now, a new version is planned for 2026.
The minister said this is still too long. Hospitals are to start working on further reducing queues immediately, as stated in the press release after Friday's conference. The goal is to be achieved gradually. The government also wants to simplify the choice of facility. Vestre recalled that the patient's right to "Fritt sykehusvalg" was introduced in 2001. Now, a new version is planned for 2026.
Patients will have greater freedom to choose where they receive treatment.Photo: Fotolia
Fewer phone calls and shorter queues. This is how the new system for patients will work
The 'Mitt sykehusvalg' system will cover most services. Patients will not have to contact the hospital to request that their referral be sent to the chosen facility. This will shorten the formalities. The initial information from the hospital will also change. The patient will immediately receive the time and place of the appointment. If the date is not convenient, it can be changed without calling the hospital.
Vestre emphasized the importance of cooperation between parties. According to him, good agreements between partners and greater productivity are essential to reduce waiting times. Some hospitals have already introduced improvements. The authorities want patients to have a better overview of their own appointments. Easier access to information about scheduled visits will help with this. The government links this to greater freedom of choice regarding where to receive treatment.
Vestre emphasized the importance of cooperation between parties. According to him, good agreements between partners and greater productivity are essential to reduce waiting times. Some hospitals have already introduced improvements. The authorities want patients to have a better overview of their own appointments. Easier access to information about scheduled visits will help with this. The government links this to greater freedom of choice regarding where to receive treatment.
The parties to the queue commitment are the government, employee and employer organizations, and regional health enterprises. They are to participate in changes on the hospital side. The plan concerns planned treatment, not cases requiring immediate assistance.
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