A decisive majority in the Storting, comprising representatives from FrP, SV, Sp, R, MDG, KrF, and V, has issued a clear directive to the government: halt all ongoing rehabilitation procurement contracts in both Health South-East and Health Central-Norway.
“This means that the current agreements will remain in effect until new, scientifically grounded quality criteria and a comprehensive long-term rehabilitation strategy are presented,” elaborated Lars Haltbrekken, addressing the Labor Court on Tuesday evening, reflecting the newfound consensus.
The implications of this decision are significant, bringing an abrupt end to tender processes that had sown concern among patients, healthcare professionals, and nonprofit providers alike.
“The majority has decisively overridden the government’s stance on this issue,” stated Haltbrekken, who also serves as the deputy leader of SV.
The procurement approach has faced mounting criticism for prioritizing cost over quality, leading to substantial cuts in inpatient services—a move with serious repercussions for patient care.
A Broader Initiative to Strengthen Rehabilitation Services
This recent legislation is part of a broader effort aimed at revitalizing the entire rehabilitation sector.
The majority requires the government to:
- Increase the number of overnight care spaces—particularly for young individuals—and commit to annual reporting to the Storting.
- Collaborate with the National Competence Center for Work-oriented Rehabilitation to develop national standards and quality requirements for work-oriented rehabilitation, alongside the professional community and user organizations.
- Implement direct registration for work-oriented rehabilitation through NAV, with a firm action plan by 2027 to ensure equitable rehabilitation and habilitation services across the nation.
Maren Grøthe from Sp expressed her relief, stating, “I am thrilled that we have managed to stop the closure of the cancer rehabilitation center in Røros. This is essential for patients throughout Trøndelag and a significant victory for preserving the vital jobs and expertise that have been established in Røros over many years.”
Both Grøthe and Haltbrekken noted the immense public engagement surrounding this issue.
“This mobilization has deeply resonated with all of us,” Grøthe emphasized. “I offer my heartfelt thanks to the employees, volunteers, and community members who reached out and contributed significantly to achieving this majority.”
Haltbrekken remarked on the crucial role that public support played in this legislative victory: “This was a critical struggle, and I am overjoyed we achieved it. This is a monumental triumph for those requiring support in recovering from serious illnesses. The rehabilitation provided by the skilled professionals at Røros and Indre Fosen has been invaluable for individuals recovering from cancer or strokes.”
A Positive Outlook
Carina Øglænd, general manager of Unicare Røros, shared her exuberance with NRK shortly after arriving home from Oslo. “I’m incredibly pleased that the politicians have engaged with this issue and shown such robust commitment. They have genuinely listened to the patients and witnessed the deterioration of the previous processes.”
“This recognition of the professional environment is vital,” she added, “as it reflects the extensive experience and expertise we have built over many years.”
A Collective Fight for Quality Care
Lars Haltbrekken and Maren Grøthe, the only representatives from Sør-Trøndelag for their respective parties, united their efforts before Christmas to combat the rehabilitation contract that adversely affected Unicare Røros’ agreement with Helse Midt-Norge (HMN).
As the health and care committee prepared to discuss the matter further, both politicians grew confident about the prospects of garnering sufficient support for their cause.
With backing from Rødt, KrF, and Frp, they were just one vote shy of a majority with their combined party strengths.
Last Thursday marked a turning point when the Liberal Party assured their support, solidifying the chances of success for Haltbrekken and Grøthe.
The Storting consists of 169 seats, and a coalition must secure 85 votes to establish a majority. Before the weekend, the situation was tight, with the conservative coalition narrowly falling short.
The mayor of Røros traveled to Oslo on Monday, accompanied by Carina Øglænd on Tuesday. By the close of the legislative day, it was clear that MDG’s eight representatives would lend their support, ultimately achieving the necessary majority.
Upcoming Proposals
The parties advocating to halt the tendering process submitted the following proposals:
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The Storting instructs the government to immediately suspend all contracts for rehabilitation procurement in Health South-East and Health Central Norway, cancel any ongoing procurement activities, and maintain current agreements until new quality standards, driven by patient needs and a comprehensive long-term plan, are presented.
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The Storting calls upon the government to ensure that the Norwegian Directorate of Health develops national standards and quality requirements in the rehabilitation sector, collaborating with both the professional community and user organizations for work-oriented rehabilitation.
In a statement, FrP expressed their satisfaction with halting the tendering process, critiquing the health organizations for undermining established quality patient offerings. Kristian August Eilertsen, the party’s health policy spokesperson, criticized Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre for his passive approach during this troubling situation.
“This is fundamentally a victory for patients, who will retain access to valuable and well-regarded services,” asserted Kathy Lie from SV. “This outcome highlights the failures of the tendering process, demonstrating the need for a system that supports robust professional environments and local jobs.”
Kjersti Toppe of the Center Party echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the ongoing criticisms directed at the current rehabilitation offerings as outlined by the National Audit Office. “Today’s tendering practices have been detrimental to specialized rehabilitation services, affecting patient care,” she remarked.
Seher Aydar from Rødt urged, “We cannot stand by and watch as rehabilitation services vanish due to a system prioritizing cost over quality. Today, we pulled the emergency brake, and our goal must now be to build a stronger rehabilitation framework.”
Marius Dalin from MDG decried the ongoing criticisms of the tender process that threaten established professional environments, which are crucial for individuals needing rehabilitation.
Ida Lindtveit Røse from KrF remarked on the health authorities’ failures, calling for a reevaluation of short-term tenders that compromise patient care and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing comprehensive rehabilitation services.
The Bigger Picture
This renewed focus on rehabilitation arises from alarming statistics: one in five working-age individuals is out of work due primarily to health-related issues. About 110,000 young adults are currently disengaged from work or education, with around 70,800 receiving health-related benefits.
Despite significant public investments aimed at addressing these challenges, issues such as illness-related absences and dropouts continue to rise, particularly among young people.
“The current measures available are inadequately equipped to address the complex issues young individuals face,” state the case documents presented for the Storting’s deliberation.
Unicare, known for providing rehabilitation for heart, lung, and cancer patients, has been deeply affected. With an existing agreement with HMN for 41 overnight care spaces, the newly proposed allocations fall short of sufficient operational levels.
Their facility in Hasselvika, Fosen, employs around 70 individuals, many of whom may not be able to renew their agreements with HMN. This, combined with significantly reduced treatment volumes for facilities in Trondheim and Levanger, jeopardizes approximately 150 healthcare jobs, casting a shadow on the future of rehabilitation services in central Norway.