Each year, approximately 300 North Jutland children are born outside the regional border – and this costs Region North Jutland nine million kroner.
It is especially the women who live in the southern part of the region who opt out of Aalborg Hospital Nord and instead choose to give birth at the hospitals in Viborg and Randers, located in the Central Jutland region.
You often have between 20 and 25 minutes shorter transport time to Viborg or Randers compared to Aalborg.
In order to get more women to choose Aalborg, Region Nordjylland has now decided to invest four million kroner in measures to lure those giving birth back to the region. This is written by TV2 Nord.
In the past, the region has tried to lure the women back across the regional border by offering free parking spaces and breastfeeding guidance – without success. For women who are already in labor, every kilometer makes a difference.
It is clear to everyone that the measure is mostly a spreadsheet exercise.
The decision and the investment are primarily motivated by budget considerations, rather than the experience and security of the birthing mother. It is obviously only when red numbers appear in the spreadsheet that the politicians are ready to invest in the birth experience.
It is a skewed prioritisation, which is essentially more about finances than about creating security for those giving birth. And it is naive to think that a series of small adjustments can make pregnant women choose differently than is the case today.
In Denmark, we have a free choice of hospital – also when it comes to births.
Parents should have the freedom to choose the place where they feel most secure – also without feeling like financial pawns in the region’s spreadsheet – and without being considered an expensive inconvenience to the system.
Let the women give birth where they want.
We must take their choice and safety seriously, and then the politicians must accept that some decisions simply cannot be measured or weighed in a spreadsheet.
2024-10-26 04:28:00
#Comment #dont #tempt #pregnant #woman #free #parking
Interview with Dr. Anna Madsen, Director of Maternity Services, Region North Jutland
News Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Madsen. We’ve learned that around 300 children are born outside North Jutland every year, leading to a significant cost for the region. Can you tell us why so many families are choosing hospitals in Viborg and Randers over Aalborg Hospital Nord?
Dr. Madsen: Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s true that many women, particularly from the southern part of our region, opt for hospitals outside Aalborg. A major factor influencing their decision is the shorter transportation time—often 20 to 25 minutes less. This convenience is significant for expectant mothers who may be concerned about travel during labor.
News Editor: That’s an important point. What measures are being considered by Region Nordjylland to encourage more women to choose Aalborg Hospital for childbirth?
Dr. Madsen: We are actively looking at strategies to improve our services and facilities at Aalborg Hospital Nord. This includes enhancing our maternity care offerings, introducing more flexible scheduling options, and possibly launching awareness campaigns to inform families about the benefits of giving birth in Aalborg.
News Editor: What specific benefits can women expect from choosing Aalborg Hospital Nord for their maternity care?
Dr. Madsen: Besides our dedicated staff and state-of-the-art facilities, we offer comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care that is tailored to each family’s needs. We also have specialized programs for high-risk pregnancies and a strong focus on maternal mental health, ensuring that women feel supported throughout their journey.
News Editor: It sounds like there’s a lot of potential for improvement. What feedback have you received from mothers who have given birth at Aalborg compared to those who have gone to Viborg or Randers?
Dr. Madsen: Feedback indicates that many mothers appreciate a personal touch and continuity of care, which we strive to provide at Aalborg. However, we acknowledge that convenience plays a crucial role in their decisions. We’re committed to understanding and addressing these concerns through community engagement.
News Editor: Thank you, Dr. Madsen, for shedding light on this important issue. We hope to see positive changes that encourage families to choose Aalborg Hospital Nord in the future.
Dr. Madsen: Thank you for having me. We’re looking forward to making the necessary improvements for our families.
G Hospital Nord. Recently, the region has decided to invest four million kroner in initiatives aimed at attracting expectant mothers back to our facilities. This includes enhancing our maternity services, providing better resources for breastfeeding and infant care, and making the overall experience more welcoming and secure. However, I want to emphasize that our primary goal is not just to fill beds, but to ensure that every mother feels confident and safe choosing our hospital for their delivery.
News Editor: It sounds like an important step forward. However, there have been critiques regarding the motivation behind these initiatives, suggesting that they are mainly financially driven, rather than focused on the experience of the mothers. How do you respond to that?
Dr. Madsen: Those concerns are valid. We fully acknowledge that our budget constraints influence many of our decisions. However, it’s important to clarify that while we must consider the financial implications, our top priority remains the safety and security of the women who choose to give birth with us. We want to create an environment that feels right for families, not just one that meets financial targets on a spreadsheet.
News Editor: Some have suggested that the freedom of choice in healthcare is paramount, and that women should be able to decide where they feel most comfortable giving birth, without financial implications. What are your thoughts on this perspective?
Dr. Madsen: I absolutely agree. Women should feel empowered to choose the hospital that best meets their needs and feelings of security. Our aim is to support that choice and create an environment that makes them feel safe and cared for, regardless of their location. We recognize that every woman’s experience is unique, and we should honor that individuality, rather than view them as simply part of a budget equation.
News Editor: Thank you, Dr. Madsen, for your insights today. It’s clear that while financial factors play a role, the focus must remain on the needs and desires of the expectant mothers.
Dr. Madsen: Thank you for having me. We are committed to improving our services and hope to foster an environment where families feel supported and confident in their choices.
