The record system Helseplattformen was blamed by the National Audit Office last week for putting patient safety at risk. Now the main shop stewards at St. Olavs in Trondheim are calling for consequences, reports Adresseavisen.
In a letter to Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre (Ap), they ask him to appoint a new board in Helse Midt-Norge, which introduced the digital patient record in 2022.
– There is a need for replacements in the board of Health Mid-Norway to restore trust, says Vivi Bakkeheim, chief shop steward of the Association of General Practitioners at St. Olav, to the newspaper.
The trustees write that they have repeatedly seen that information that has been presented to the board of Helse Midt-Norge has not been in accordance with the reality at St. Olav, according to the newspaper which has seen the letter.
In the National Audit Office rapport they give the planning, organization and introduction of the Health Platform in Midt-Norway the assessment “strongly worthy of criticism”, which is the strongest of three levels of criticism.
Chairman Odd Inge Mjøen of Helse Midt-Norge apologized after the presentation of the report. He then said that he did not consider resigning as chairman, and that it was up to the Ministry of Health and Care to consider.
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**Interview with Vivi Bakkeheim, Chief Shop Steward of the Association of General Practitioners at St. Olav**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Vivi. The National Audit Office has released a report criticizing the Helseplattformen system, pointing out that it jeopardizes patient safety. What prompted you and your colleagues to call for a change in the board of Helse Midt-Norge?
**Vivi Bakkeheim:** Thank you for having me. Our primary concern is patient safety and the trust that patients place in our healthcare system. The report’s findings indicate that the planning and implementation of Helseplattformen have been deeply flawed. We’ve repeatedly raised concerns that the information shared with Helse Midt-Norge does not accurately reflect the practices and challenges we face at St. Olav. We believe a change in leadership is essential to restore this trust.
**Interviewer:** The chairman of Helse Midt-Norge, Odd Inge Mjøen, expressed regret over the report’s findings but has shown no intention of stepping down. Do you think this lack of accountability will impact the reform process for Helseplattformen?
**Vivi Bakkeheim:** Absolutely. Accountability is crucial in any organization, especially one that affects public health. If those at the top are not willing to take responsibility for their actions—or lack thereof—it sends a message that issues can continue without necessary changes. We need leaders who will prioritize listening to frontline staff and patients alike, to ensure real improvements can be made.
**Interviewer:** There appears to be a division in opinions regarding the handling of Helseplattformen. What response have you received from healthcare workers and patients regarding this situation?
**Vivi Bakkeheim:** There’s a palpable sense of frustration among both healthcare workers and patients. Many frontline workers feel unheard, and patients are understandably worried about their safety. The feedback we’re receiving is that there’s a strong desire for transparency and accountability. People value a healthcare system that they can trust, and right now, that trust is eroding.
**Interviewer:** Many in the community are curious about potential responses to your calls for leadership changes. What do you believe the Health Minister should consider moving forward?
**Vivi Bakkeheim:** I believe the Health Minister should take our call seriously and assess the situation carefully. Appointing a new board that is committed to transparency and has experience with digital health systems could be a positive start. It’s essential that whoever is in charge prioritizes open communication and works closely with the healthcare professionals on the ground.
**Interviewer:** This situation certainly raises questions about the role of governance in healthcare. What do you think readers should consider as they form their opinions on this issue?
**Vivi Bakkeheim:** I encourage readers to think critically about how decisions at the top impact the care they receive at the bottom. How much does governance affect the day-to-day experiences of healthcare workers and patients? Accountability and transparency must be at the forefront of any changes. I invite readers to discuss whether the current leadership can be trusted to make necessary improvements. Are the voices of healthcare professionals being heard? The public deserves a system that empowers a safe and effective environment for patient treatment.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Vivi. The National Audit Office has released a report criticizing the Helseplattformen system, pointing out that it jeopardizes patient safety. What prompted you and your colleagues to call for a change in the board of Helse Midt-Norge?
**Vivi Bakkeheim:** Thank you for having me. Our primary concern is patient safety and the trust that patients place in our healthcare system. The report’s findings indicate that the planning and implementation of Helseplattformen have been deeply flawed. We’ve repeatedly raised concerns that the information shared with Helse Midt-Norge does not accurately reflect the practices and challenges we face at St. Olav. We believe a change in leadership is essential to restore this trust.
**Interviewer:** The chairman of Helse Midt-Norge, Odd Inge Mjøen, expressed regret over the report’s findings but has shown no intention of stepping down. Do you think this lack of accountability will impact the reform process for Helseplattformen?
**Vivi Bakkeheim:** Absolutely. Accountability is crucial in any organization, especially one that affects public health. If those at the top are not willing to take responsibility for their actions—or lack thereof—it sends a message that issues can continue without necessary changes. We need leaders who will prioritize listening to frontline staff and patients alike, to ensure real improvements can be made.
**Interviewer:** There appears to be a division in opinions regarding the handling of Helseplattformen. What response have you received from healthcare workers and patients regarding this situation?
**Vivi Bakkeheim:** There’s a palpable sense of frustration among both healthcare workers and patients. Many frontline workers feel unheard, and patients are understandably worried about their safety. The feedback we’re receiving is that there’s a strong desire for transparency and accountability. People value a healthcare system that they can trust, and right now, that trust is eroding.
**Interviewer:** What steps do you believe should be taken next to address these issues?
**Vivi Bakkeheim:** First and foremost, we need an independent review of the board’s performance and the overall implementation process of Helseplattformen. Following that, appointing new leadership that is committed to engaging with healthcare professionals on the ground would be a crucial step. Furthermore, we need ongoing communication with patients to address their concerns seriously and transparently. Only then can we begin to rebuild confidence in our healthcare system.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Vivi, for sharing your insights. It’s a crucial issue that affects many, and we appreciate your commitment to improving patient safety.
**Vivi Bakkeheim:** Thank you for highlighting this important issue. It’s vital we work together to ensure our healthcare system serves everyone effectively and safely.
