Hildigunnur Svavarsdóttir, CEO of SAk, stated at the meeting that it is clear that the new building will strengthen infrastructure, improve facilities for staff and patients, and better ensure safety and professionalism for those who seek care at SAk. She added: “It is not only important to build a building. We must build a facility designed for the kind of service we want to provide — service that is humane, professional, and accessible to everyone who needs it. Our vision is to be a leader in healthcare in North Iceland, with innovation and quality at the forefront. We want to create an environment that supports both patients and staff, with modern solutions, safety, and sustainability in mind.”

The CEO also emphasized the importance of maintaining older buildings that will continue to be used. She noted that additional development of day units and outpatient clinics depends on funding, and pointed out that the oldest building currently in use — and which will remain in use — is around 72 years old.

At the meeting, Gunnar Líndal, project manager in operations and clinical support services, reviewed the project’s status and plans. Sólveig Hulda Valgeirsdóttir, head of the internal medicine ward, and Bryndís María Davíðsdóttir, head of the surgical ward, then discussed the anticipated impact of the new building on patients and staff.

Ragnheiður Reykjalín Magnúsdóttir, head of the psychiatric day and outpatient unit, and Valborg Lúðvíksdóttir, assistant head of the psychiatric inpatient ward, also reviewed the planned improvements to facilities for patients and staff in SAk’s mental health services.

Björn Gunnarsson, quality department specialist and long-time physician in air ambulance services, spoke about medical flight operations. He also presented research he has conducted in this field. Björn emphasized that air ambulance services are extremely important for people living within the Akureyri air ambulance catchment area. Furthermore, he said: “If investment is to be made in a new helicopter base, the most sensible location by far is Akureyri. That would have the greatest impact, benefit the most people, and significantly strengthen both the region and the hospital.”

At the end of the meeting, there was time for questions and discussion. Various topics were raised, including the helicopter landing site, ambulance access, patient reception areas, parking facilities and the proposed parking garage, solar panels, operational costs of the new building, access to the Botanical Garden, and project financing, to name a few.