18th June 2026

Contract signing and groundbreaking ceremony for a new hospital ward at Akureyri Hospital

Today, Minister of Health Alma Möller, together with Guðmundur Viðar Gunnarsson and Hjalti Steinþórsson of GV-Gröfur, signed a construction contract with New Landspítali Ltd. (NLSH) for groundworks associated with the construction of a new inpatient ward at Akureyri Hospital. The contract was witnessed by Guðjón Hauksson, Chief Executive Officer of Akureyri Hospital, and Sigríður Inga Rúnarsdóttir, a registered nurse at the hospital.

Jóhannes G. Bjarnason, Guðmunda Birna Kristjánsdóttir, Gunnar Svavarsson, Alma Möller, Guðjón Hauksson, Valdís Eyja Pálsdóttir, Árni Jóhannesson

Following the contract signing, Alma Möller took part in the groundbreaking ceremony together with Jóhannes G. Bjarnason, Chair of the Friends of Akureyri Hospital Association; Guðmunda Birna Kristjánsdóttir, healthcare assistant at Akureyri Hospital; Gunnar Svavarsson, Managing Director of New Landspítali Ltd. (NLSH); Guðjón Hauksson, Chief Executive Officer of Akureyri Hospital; Valdís Eyja Pálsdóttir, Chair of the Akureyri Mental Health Association; and Árni Jóhannesson, physician at Akureyri Hospital.

The new inpatient ward building will comprise 13,600 m². The extension, which will be connected to the existing hospital facilities, will accommodate a surgical ward (36 patient rooms), a medical ward (36 patient rooms), and a psychiatric ward (12 patient rooms and two secure psychiatric intensive care units), together with supporting facilities. The development will also include a modern day-care and outpatient facility for mental health services.

The new building is planned for a site south of the existing hospital buildings and will be connected to the current facilities. Minor modifications will be made to the existing premises to facilitate the connection to the new building and to accommodate changes to the hospital’s goods reception area. As the new building will occupy the current parking area, parking facilities will be relocated and expanded to meet the increased demands associated with the larger hospital footprint.

A particularly welcome milestone

Minister of Health Alma Möller said it was especially gratifying to see this long-awaited project become a reality:

“This is not only the groundbreaking ceremony for a new building, but also an important step towards stronger and more modern healthcare services for the people of Iceland. It is particularly encouraging to see the emphasis being placed on improved facilities for mental health services. The new extension to Akureyri Hospital will enhance patient facilities, strengthen working conditions for staff, and reinforce the hospital’s role as a key pillar of Iceland’s healthcare system. This new building reflects the government’s commitment to developing infrastructure throughout the country and investing in a stronger healthcare system.”

An urgent need and many opportunities

Guðjón Hauksson, Chief Executive Officer of Akureyri Hospital, commented:

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed over the years to making this project a reality. Not only is the need for this development urgent, but the opportunities it presents are virtually limitless. It is truly exciting to have the opportunity to help realise its potential. I am confident that the new building will greatly benefit the hospital’s operations, significantly improve working conditions, and above all enable us to fulfil our primary mission even better: providing outstanding healthcare services to those who need them.”

A project worthy of its purpose

Gunnar Svavarsson, Managing Director of NLSH, said that the expansion of Akureyri Hospital would be a fitting addition to the company’s portfolio of major healthcare developments:

“The expansion of Akureyri Hospital will be a project worthy of NLSH, just like the company’s other development projects. With the design phase now well advanced and groundworks under way, the project reflects the strong level of preparedness that has been achieved. Environmental considerations and safety will remain key priorities. Constructing a new building adjacent to an operating hospital presents challenges, but it is equally important to ensure close consultation and cooperation with nearby residents. The collaboration between Akureyri Hospital and NLSH will continue to be productive and mutually beneficial, providing strength and stability throughout the construction period ahead.”