The reason for wanting to activate the agreement is that the burden on intensive care is again very high due to the third pandemic wave that has now gained momentum.

The number of patients in need of intensive care has increased and the health care system has difficulty getting enough staff. 

- We have a limited number of employees who have expertise in intensive care.

We are already on the margin and need to activate the crisis agreement to cope with the staffing, says Johnny Hillgren, operations manager for intensive care.

400 employees may be affected

In total, about 400 employees may be affected by the crisis agreement.

The application of the agreement is planned for the beginning of next week and applies to intensive care.

The surgical activities may also be covered in the future. 

- The development is worrying given that the British virus variant spreads so easily.

We in healthcare have been working hard for a year now and I feel great sympathy for both patients and staff.

With this agreement, I believe that we can continue to hold on and give our patients the best care we can, says Johnny Hillgren. 

This is not the first time that the Gävleborg Region has requested to be allowed to activate the crisis agreement.

Also during the second wave, in December 2020, SKR approved the introduction of the agreement.

However, as the situation improved after the New Year, the agreement did not need to be applied.