The figure for the dead in Sweden is significantly higher than in our Nordic neighboring countries and those who have been paid the highest price are our elderly. According to Social Minister Lena Hallengren (S), that figure is difficult to put into perspective, since we are only at the beginning of the pandemic.

 - It is a failure that we have failed to protect our elderly. It is very serious and a failure for society in common. We have to learn from it, we are not through the pandemic yet, ”says Lena Hallengren (S) in SVT's Morning Studio.

The work situation for many in the elderly care sector has provoked criticism during the corona crisis.

- There is much that has been talked about for a long time, which has come to the surface regarding the elderly care. Such as precarious conditions, education and how to absorb recommendations. But it is a fact that it is the elderly who have to pay a high price, says Lena Hallengren.  

Work forward

When asked whether the current situation can lead to a different work situation for those working in elderly care, Lena Hallengren believes that we have a shared responsibility.

- I believe and hope that we are researching ourselves together, it is about not only paying homage to them for doing a fantastic job right now, but also working because they have the right conditions to do so in the future, says Hallengren.

High tempo

The rate at which health care workers are forced to work is high and at present there is no end to the pandemic.

 - It's a tough situation and more and more people are getting more and more strained. I think health care has been able to do this for quite some time, I know it's staff who are used to hard work, says Lena Hallengren. 

However, the situation with deferred treatments as a result of the crisis is worrying, according to Hallengren.

 - I'm not only worried about the situation we have now, but also about the situation with some treatments that are currently awaiting. The longer you wait, the more urgent it becomes. It is a concern for the total care capacity, both what is happening now and what is coming then, ”says Lena Hallengren.