The CEO emphasized the significant challenges the hospital is currently facing:
"The strain we have experienced—both in terms of staffing and operations—is very demanding. Last year, the continued closure of part of the Hlíðar Healthcare facility due to mold in the building had a noticeable impact. Patients at SAk's inpatient wards had longer hospital stays as they had no other options available. This is not acceptable for this group—they deserve better. Around 18% of inpatient beds in the emergency departments and at Kristnes Hospital are affected by this," said Hildigunnur.

New Building a Total Breakthrough
The CEO also highlighted that long-awaited improvements are on the horizon:
"If the government's plans proceed as expected, we may see a complete breakthrough in our facilities by 2028, when a new building for SAk and a new 80-bed nursing home in Akureyri are expected to open. These plans simply must go ahead," said Hildigunnur. Construction of the 9,200 m² expansion of SAk is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026, which will include facilities for internal medicine, surgery, and psychiatric departments.

Staff: The Heart of the Hospital
The CEO stressed the importance of facilities, equipment, and funding—but reminded attendees that the hospital's staff is at the heart of everything:
"SAk’s staff is invaluable. Their dedication, knowledge, and skills shine through every single day. For everyone who needs SAk's services, it is the professionalism and warmth of the staff that truly matters."

A More Stable Funding Base Is Needed
The 2024 fiscal year ended with a positive result of nearly ISK 190 million. Hildigunnur stated:
"This was made possible by a concerted effort from the staff, managers, and through excellent cooperation with the Ministry of Health, which is incredibly valuable to us."
She emphasized, however: "The funding base needs to be more stable and reliable so we can maintain and further develop the level of service our community deserves."

Digital Transformation and Innovation a Priority
The CEO placed great emphasis on digital development, saying:
"To meet future demands, Akureyri Hospital must prioritize digital transformation and innovation—with a clear focus on improved clinical quality, patient safety and service, increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness, support for staff, and better coordination of services."
She added that SAk must take bold steps into the digital future and warned that delays could have serious consequences:
"If we don’t seize these opportunities now, we risk accumulating a technological debt that could undermine both safety and quality, as well as our ability to remain an attractive workplace."