In its assessment, the Chancellor of Justice criticises Region Gävleborg for the fact that an official, in this case an operations manager at the hospital, acted in a way that is contrary to the grounds for the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression's prohibition on obstructive measures and search of sources.
Manager regrets his actions
In the complaint, the region believes that employees have the right to contact and talk to the media without any manager being able to interfere and question.
The operations manager believes that the reason for the action was because he wants to protect the patients' privacy, as there is a ban on film and photos in healthcare premises. The region also believes that written approval in advance by the responsible operations manager is needed.
The operations manager has subsequently apologized, both to the interviewees and to SVT's journalist.
Since the incident, according to the documents, the region has made efforts to remind managers and others of the importance of whistleblower protection and freedom of communication.
SVT News Gävleborg has tried to reach those responsible at Region Gävleborg for a comment without success.