The goal of this partnership is to explore how new technological solutions, increased cooperation between municipalities and private entities, and integrated services can improve care for residents, making it safer and more efficient—especially in rural areas.

Recently, HSN received a grant of ISK 2.5 million from the Ministry of Health to purchase equipment (RetinaRisk) that enables us to provide regular eye screening for individuals with diabetes locally, rather than requiring them to travel to Reykjavík.

“This grant is very important to us because a large part of HSN’s service area is in sparsely populated regions. It is therefore crucial that the institution can utilize and participate in the development of new technological solutions to improve services for clients,” says Árni Kár Torfason, Head of IT at HSN. “This eye scanner, as well as other technological innovations—such as psychological services via video calls—allow clients in remote areas to access specialist assistance without long journeys, improve quality of life in various ways, and have already delivered significant benefits to both clients and staff.”

Earlier this year, HSN also received funding from the ministry to implement the Memaxi system in Northwest Iceland. The system connects users, families, and healthcare professionals, enhancing safety, independence, and user participation. It is also in use in Fjallabyggð. Additionally, around 70 digital medication dispensers are currently in use in home nursing and at several HSN health centers, increasing safety and quality of life for clients.