Each level of government (local, regional and national) prepares every year a “finance law” which shows how taxpayer money will be spent in the following year. In Denmark we have 5 regional councils (North Denmark, Central Denmark, South Denmark, Zealand (Sjælland) and the capital region). The regional economy for 2024 is tight due to rising medicine prices and general inflation.
North Denmark Regional Council needs to cut 54.5 million DKK in spending. The Center for Patient Support (Center for Patientstøtte) will be closed. Less money is spent on the recruitment and retention of nurses and SOSU. Lower budget for ambulance operations.
Central Denmark Regional Council needs to cut 364.8 million DKK in spending. The most affected will be Silkeborg Regional Hospital which will be transformed into a day clinic. Emergency clinics in six cities will be closed during the day, and the number of ambulances will be reduced from 10 to 6. At the same time, large investments are made into Randers Regional Hospital (1 billion DKK); Gødstrup Regional Hospital (40 million DKK) and Viborg Psychiatry (655 million DKK).
South Denmark Regional Council needs to cut 58.2 million DKK in spending. As they will be able to make the cuts from administration only, the region has money to invest. 15.5 million DKK in psychiatry (virtual medical clinic); 10 million DKK to attract more doctors and nurses to the region; 15 million DKK to invest in more climate-friendly transport.
Zealand Regional Council only needs to cut 10 million DKK in spending. They will invest 25 million DKK to attract more doctors and nurses to the region; 10 million DKK to expand specialist medical care; 13 million DKK for diabetes patients (to give them sensor-based glucose meters).
Capital Regional Council needs to cut 211 million DKK in spending. The hospital’s capacity will be reduced by 97 beds and 293 employees. Several open positions in psychiatry will be closed. They will prioritize internet-based psychological treatments for children, young people, and parents.
