Oulu University Hospital faces backlog of thousands of patients awaiting non-urgent treatment

The Oulu University Hospital is currently experiencing a backlog of thousands of patients waiting for non-urgent treatment, according to Päivi Laurila, the director of hospital services and emergency care for the North Ostrobothnia welfare area. “We currently have approximately 3,600 patients who have been waiting for over six months, predominantly in orthopedic and abdominal surgery specialties,” Laurila stated.

Laurila noted that OYS has one of the highest numbers of patients awaiting non-urgent orthopedic care among university hospitals in the region, although the situation is challenging in other areas as well. The increasing wait times are attributed to accumulated backlogs from the pandemic and a rise in referrals post-COVID.

A significant factor contributing to the delays is a shortage of skilled staff, particularly nurses. “There is also beginning to be a challenge with the number of doctors,” Laurila added, highlighting a scarcity of specialists capable of performing complex surgeries, coupled with a decrease in applications for training positions.

To combat the growing waitlists, the hospital has attempted to reduce backlogs by employing staff for additional work during evenings and weekends, as well as hiring temporary workers.

However, a major issue remains the lack of financial resources. Laurila hopes the government can provide designated funding to help alleviate the treatment backlogs. “The current number of patients in care is so great that without increased resources, it’s hard to envision this situation improving in the next two to three years.”

The hospital’s congested situation was highlighted last week when Hanna Sarkkinen, a member of parliament from the Left Alliance in Oulu, submitted a written question to the government regarding the operations of the West-Pohja Central Hospital. In an interview, she expressed concern over the centralization of hospital networks in light of OYS’s current state. Laurila sees centralization as having both benefits and drawbacks; while it may temporarily increase waiting lists due to changes in other services, it is ultimately necessary for ensuring adequate expertise is available.