The Minister of Health, the CEO of Iceland Health and the CEO of Heilsuvernd today signed an agreement on the operation and services of nursing facilities at Urðarhvarf 16 in Kópavogur.

The agreement covers services in 100 nursing homes for individuals with a valid skills and health assessment who have completed treatment at the Landspítali, University Hospital, and are waiting for a permanent stay in a nursing home. The agreement also includes the authorization to increase the number of spaces in a flexible manner to meet temporary increased needs at short notice.

Negotiations have been ongoing for some time and were originally scheduled to open in May. However, in light of the increased number of individuals waiting for solutions at Landspítali it was decided to speed up the opening.

The first service recipients have already moved in, and in the coming days and weeks, more individuals will move directly from Landspítali. It is expected that the number of nursing beds in the capital area can increase by up to 130 this summer on the basis of the agreement.

"This agreement is an important step in improving flow within the health care system. With these 100 new nursing beds, it will be possible to receive individuals who have completed treatment at the Landspítali and need continued care, which will significantly ease the burden on the hospital. At the same time, it is important that the agreement is flexible and enables us to respond quickly to increased needs if and when they arise," says Sigurður Helgi Helgason, CEO of Iceland Health.

An important milestone for the healthcare system

Alma D. Möller, Minister of Health, says that the opening is an important milestone: "The opening of Urðarhvarf will have a positive impact on the health system as a whole, but with the arrival of 100 new spaces where Landspítali is a priority, I hope that the strain on the hospital will decrease faster than hoped. The increase and renewal of older nursing homes is a key factor in ensuring safe and good service."

New and well-equipped facilities

The nursing rooms are located on the 2nd-7th floor of the building at Urðarhvarf 16. The spacious and well-appointed spaces feature a kitchenette and a private bathroom in each room. On each floor there are shared living areas, including a dining room and a lounge. On the first floor there are facilities for occupational and physiotherapy as well as other related services. On the eighth floor there are shared facilities with a dining room, lounge and rest areas, as well as spacious balconies with views.

"The project as a whole has exceeded expectations, the building was delivered earlier and within budget, which is a great result. That is why we are here today and the service has begun. All facilities are first class and there is great anticipation among our people who have done exceptionally well in all preparations for the opening. The result is a magnificent house with a view in all directions and services for the elderly that are considerable. Thank you to everyone who has come, with a concerted effort everything is possible." says Teitur Guðmundsson, CEO of Heilsuvernd.