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NRK has asked the twelve mayors the same two questions. Six have responded.
– What do you think of the handling of Helse Bergen?
– Are you concerned that the inhabitants do not receive adequate medical care (as long as the transport of patients is part of the specialized health service)?
- Hege Eide Vik (Sp), Mayor of Vaksdal:
– The municipality of Vaksdal is not a party in the Patient Transport case. I think it would still be possible if Helse Bergen had been in dialogue with the municipality at an earlier stage in the process. It is in the municipalities where people live, and it is to us that people turn with questions and when they need help.
– I am concerned that the threshold for seeking medical attention is higher. At first, there is uncertainty about how to go about organizing the trip itself and how to request a refund. Also, it is a big challenge for some when it comes to outsourcing the transportation itself. From some settlements in Vaksdal, there will be large sums in outlay, and not everyone has the opportunity to do so. The effect of this may be that more people cancel the necessary treatment.
- Hans Inge Myrvold (Sp), Mayor of Kvinnherad
– I am completely convinced that there are many confused older people. Many people are used to the taxi picking them up. It is very special that Helse Bergen now enters into agreements on billing and credit schemes. The load is transferred to the taxi companies to maintain finances in a transport scheme that, in principle, will be covered by the health fund.
– We have a very limited supply of taxis in the Ølve / Hatlestrand area. Since then one is dependent on taxis from other municipalities, this will be a great challenge. It is not known who to call for transportation. I have experience that it is clear to the county physician that the health trust has a duty to sew for transportation. That duty from which they cannot escape or hide behind.
- Karstein Totland (H), Mayor of Masfjorden
– I think this is handled incredibly awkwardly. Now we run the risk that there are patients who do not recover. I think this seems awkward. I also wonder who makes money, when this is kept at the regular rate.
– Yes, I’m afraid someone can do this between two chairs. Those who receive one-hour appointments directly from the hospital must now arrange and pay for transportation themselves. I have discussed this with the mayor of Gulen. If we see this as a challenge, we should try to organize a telephone exchange. Residents can then possibly get help with both ordering and completing these reimbursement documents.
- Hallvard Oppedal (Sp), Mayor of Gulen Municipality:
– I think Health Bergen could have handled this better. Old agreements should apply until new ones have been implemented.
– I am afraid that this could affect patients, especially older people who are reluctant to organize trips and pay for transport themselves. You can quickly end up with them buying your time.
- Morten Storebø (H), Mayor of Austevoll:
– When it is the case that patients in Austevoll and in several other municipalities do not receive adapted transport, it is obvious that the handling is not good enough. In my opinion, the case is first and foremost about the right of patients to medical care and that Helse Bergen must first and foremost fulfill its obligations to patients. The hiring rules should be clearly in second place.
– Of course we are restless. This goes beyond the weakest, patients who attend hospitals and specialized health services in Bergen, and those who need transportation for necessary treatment internally in the municipality. The cost of transport can be several thousand crowns for a trip, and the patient has to organize the transport himself. It is a large extra burden for the patient, and it is the exact opposite that we want for those who have the right to transport. It must be manageable, fluid and safe to receive the treatment you need. This has given Helse Bergen clear notice both in the meeting and in the letter.
The situation also creates additional pressure on health service employees in the municipality, who must devote time to help and guidance. Helse Bergen herself acknowledges the extra work. They employ their own counter in Haukeland to help patients, this also costs money and is completely unnecessary if memorable agreements had been made with the carriers.
In this case, patients suffer injuries, public employees have to do even more, and the taxi industry in the districts will experience insecurity for assignments and starting. It is very regrettable that one has ended up in this situation and we reiterate our support that Helse Bergen should put agreements in place with transport as soon as possible.
- Kjetil Eikefet, Mayor of the Municipality of Modalen:
– Bergen Health apparently shows they want a solution to the case. But so far it seems to me, as if Helse Bergen has not realized that different taxi companies operate under different conditions. Travel from Bergen West and Upper Helland in Modalen Township cannot be equated.
– Of course, it is concerning that residents do not receive the help they need, when they need it. There is a reason that people have this right to help. There are people who are too sick to travel on their own and this undoubtedly places an extra burden on those affected. These residents should use their energy to recover, not to worry about going to the doctor or hospital visits.
