Efforts are being prioritized to focus on saving lives and ensuring effective healthcare, says Skellefteå municipality's healthcare and social services department in a press release.

– We have a fragile staff situation with many vacancies and few substitutes, and the greatest shortage of staff is in the center of Skellefteå. Therefore, we have to redistribute employees, and unfortunately, many have to work overtime, says Linda Dehlin, head of health and social services, in the press release.

Meanwhile, covid-19 is spreading again in Västerbotten. Cases of confirmed covid have increased significantly since last week, and covid has infiltrated some of the county's health and social care facilities. In addition, this year's flu and other viral diseases are on the horizon. As a result, several facilities and homecare areas are in an "extremely tense situation."

– In this situation, it is extremely helpful when the family and loved ones of those receiving home care can take on more responsibility for tasks such as cleaning, laundry and shopping, says Dehlin.

The organization provides care, food and medication, but has had to reduce or eliminate services due to the situation.

– Even healthcare is really struggling right now. We have to solve the healthcare crisis together, and that's why we have daily meetings to make everything as good as possible, says Dehlin.

The municipality is also coordinating available resources to expedite patients' return home from hospital stays, in order to free up beds.