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In Sweden, the crown strategy was do not minimize the spread of infection; it would be kept under control so that the health service could manage the infection. At the same time, risk groups would be protected.
It was a very dangerous strategy for caring for the elderly, it would soon turn out. That is to say, there is a strong connection between the magnitude of the general spread of infection in a country and death among the most frail elderly. The greater the expansion of society, the more deaths in nursing homes.
The Crown Commission cites the vast expansion of society in Sweden as “the most important explanation” for the high mortality rates in care. At the same time, it is not a natural law that a certain proportion of the elderly should die. There are individual nursing homes and regions that have done better than others, for example.
In other words, good elderly care and effective protection measures can make a difference. But, sadly, the shortcomings have been great in both areas.
The Commission also points out the absolute mess that characterizes healthcare and healthcare.
Many do not have any training in nursing, there are language problems and a shortage of nurses. The regions have medical expertise, but collaboration has failed and has been researched for decades.
The Commission also points to the absolute mess, both organizational and responsible, that characterizes healthcare and care: responsibility is shared between 21 regions, 290 municipalities and many private healthcare providers. At the head are the authorities that have national responsibility.
But neither the Swedish Public Health Agency nor the National Board of Health and Welfare had an overview of the preparedness of municipalities. It is revealing that the National Board of Health and Welfare has developed channels for regional health care, but not for municipal health care and health.
Caring for the elderly seems to be as neglected by the state and regions as lonely cabins in sparsely populated areas, where the post office and broadband barely reach.
“The elderly care employees were left alone to cope with the crisis situation”states the Crown Commission.
Neighboring countries realized the vulnerability and needs of elderly care much faster, the commission writes.
The authorities should, of course, have made sure to get rid of their ignorance quickly, especially the Public Health Agency, which has crafted the crown strategy. They didn’t do that; one was late. In that sense, it is no wonder they started so late with life-saving testing of the elderly and staff, as well as clear advice on protective equipment.
Neighboring countries realized the vulnerability and care needs of the elderly much faster, the commission writes.
But, as researcher Mats Melin points out, “the government rules the kingdom,” according to the constitution. It is therefore not possible, like Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and Minister for Social Affairs Lena Hallengren (S), to constantly hand over responsibility to regions and municipalities.
Following harsh criticism from the Crown Commission, liability evasion must be stopped.
