A nursing and palliative care unit in Vievyje, Lithuania, is being closed due to a decrease in patient numbers and funding, leading to job losses for its staff and relocation of patients.
The nursing and palliative care unit in Vievyje, hosted in a former kindergarten building that dates back to the Soviet era, has been operational under the Elektrėnai municipality's health center. The unit, which originally offered 35 beds for care services, is set to close on April 1st, as the number of patients utilizing its services has dwindled significantly. Along with the closure comes the unfortunate news for 24 employees who have been notified of their layoffs, while patients not residing in the Elektrėnai municipality will need to be found places in other hospitals.
According to the director of the health center, Edita Paberalienė, there has been a notable decline in patient treatment within the unit over the past year, with a rising trend of care being provided to individuals outside of the Elektrėnai municipality. The ongoing analysis indicated that the demand for nursing and palliative care services is decreasing, reflecting a broader trend of reduced bed occupancy and, consequently, diminished financial support for such facilities.
The closure of this facility highlights not just local healthcare challenges but also raises concerns about the implications for the elderly population in the region, as the demand for care services continues to evolve. With the aging population remaining a pressing issue, this decision underscores the complexity of healthcare resource allocation in the context of shifting demographic needs in Lithuania and the associated funding priorities.
