Jämsä residents are adjusting to the loss of local health services, including nighttime care, as a new social and health center is planned in response to community needs.
In recent years, Jämsä has seen a reduction in health services, including the elimination of surgeries and other hospital services, with the most significant blow being the closure of the local nighttime care service last autumn. This has left many residents feeling underserved and anxious about the availability of critical health services in their community.
In response to these challenges, the Central Finland welfare area is planning the construction of a substantial social and health center in Jämsä, despite the financial constraints facing the welfare area, which is currently the weakest in the country. The construction of this new facility is seen as essential, as the old hospital is reaching the end of its lifecycle, necessitating the building of a modern structure to better serve the community's health needs.
The estimated cost of the new center is over 34 million euros, and the welfare area has received permission from the government to take out a loan for its construction. However, the project must adhere to strict financial guidelines overseen by an evaluation group appointed by the Ministry of Finance. During a recent resident meeting, Jämsä locals were able to learn about the forthcoming social care center and share their ideas for its design, indicating a strong community engagement in the planning process that aims to enhance local healthcare services.
