Local authorities in Jämtland County are responding to rising stress and sick leave rates among healthcare professionals by commissioning a plan to improve working conditions. The region's director will collaborate with unions to devise strategies aimed at enhancing the work environment at Östersund Hospital and other healthcare facilities. The objective is to implement measures that will provide staff with sufficient recovery time, which is deemed essential considering the high levels of stress reported in various departments, including the intensive care unit (ICU).

The ICU department has particularly caught attention due to its sick leave rates hovering around ten percent, prompting the ICU manager to urgently call for changes. This includes the establishment of more efficient scheduling and reduced working hours to allow staff adequate time for recovery. The situation in the ICU exemplifies the wider issues facing the region's healthcare system, where several departments suffer from increased stress levels and absenteeism due to illness.

Although efforts to enhance workplace conditions have been ongoing for several years—which have led to a reduction in sick leave rates—challenges persist in addressing the stress experienced by healthcare personnel. Local authorities, such as Katarina Nyberg Finn, acknowledge the need for decisive action to ensure the well-being of healthcare workers, particularly in high-stress environments. The development of a new action plan is seen as a crucial step toward improving not only employee wellness but also the quality of care provided to patients in Jämtland County.