Welfare department in Reykjavík refers injury incidents to police for investigation

The head of the welfare department in Reykjavík has stated that incidents resulting in injuries where the cause is unclear are being referred to the police for investigation. Benedikt Sigurðsson commented on September 11, 2024, regarding the matter concerning a resident at the Hólmasund assisted living facility. A person with multiple disabilities suffered injuries twice in quick succession while under the care of staff.

The resident’s attorney indicated that there may have been negligence involved, prompting the city to refer the case to law enforcement. According to Rannveig Einarsdóttir, the welfare director, when accidents occur and the cause is not clearly understood, the department directs the investigation to the police for a clearer understanding of the incident.

In the first incident, the resident was being transferred from a bath chair to a wheelchair, during which they were left unattended and fell, resulting in a significant drop. In the second incident, the individual fell from the wheelchair while being transported down stairs, leading to a shoulder fracture.

Rannveig did not want to discuss staffing issues at individual facilities but confirmed that the department is adequately staffed. “We are essentially fully staffed,” she said, noting only nine positions are currently being advertised out of more than fifteen hundred employees. Rannveig emphasized that operations are running smoothly overall despite the incidents being investigated.