Emergency department in Kalix temporarily relocated
The emergency department in Kalix has been temporarily relocated due to staff shortages. Patients are directed to nearby hospitals instead. The move takes effect immediately and impacts local healthcare in Norrbotten.
The emergency department at Kalix Hospital is temporarily closing from today due to acute staff shortages. According to Region Norrbotten, all emergency patients are redirected to the emergency departments in Piteå or Luleå during this period. 'We regret the inconvenience for patients, but we lack sufficient staff to maintain operations safely,' says a spokesperson for the region in a press release.
The background to the decision is an ongoing shortage of nurses and doctors in the area, worsened by vacations and retirements. Kalix Hospital, serving about 18,000 residents in the municipality, has struggled with understaffing for several months. Earlier this year, similar issues were reported at other locations in Norrbotten, but this is the first full closure of an emergency department.
Patients are urged to call 1177 for guidance before seeking care. Transportation to Piteå, about 50 kilometers away, is arranged via ambulance if needed. The region promises to provide ongoing updates and is working on recruitment to resolve the situation as soon as possible. Critics from local politicians point to long-term shortcomings in healthcare planning, while regional leadership emphasizes that patient safety is prioritized.