Financial Management Authority
A milestone for public healthcare innovation in Southern Iceland
23rd October 2024
A public innovation project by the Southern Iceland Health Institution (HSU), called the Home Hospital for the Elderly, has received financial backing by the Minister of Health, with the support of the Improvement and Development Division of the Financial Management Authority (FMA).
In recent months, the Improvement and Development Division (formerly the Innovation Department of the Central Public Procurement Iceland) has provided support to the Southern Iceland Health Institution in its efforts to promote innovation in its operations. The main objectives of the project are to extend independent living for the elderly and reduce ICU admissions, which will both enhance the health and quality of life for elderly patients and significantly reduce strain on the hospital.
More about the Home Hospital for the Elderly:
Last week, the Minister of Health signed an agreement on financial support for the project.
The FMA is an advocate for public innovation
The FMA's support for forward-thinking improvement projects like the Home Hospital includes establishing a needs-based and open dialogue with innovative market participants, as well as promoting the advancement of socially important improvement projects to government authorities.
In its involvement, the FMA focuses on directing the attention of public buyers to market solutions and their adaptation, rather than custom-built solutions, and provides support in procurement preparation and execution.
The innovation partnership between HSU and the FMA provided inspiration to continue making changes. Meeting like-minded public institutions was highly beneficial. Market discussions following the Innovation Day opened our eyes to further welfare technology solutions. The partnership also encouraged us to be bolder in seeking funding from the Ministry, and we received direct technical assistance in making such an application.
Guðný Stella Guðnadóttir - Chief Geriatrics Officer, HSU
The agreement now signed is based on the dialogue between the Southern Iceland Health Institution and the Ministry of Health and is a crucial step in the development of the HSU Home Hospital. It is gratifying to see the support HSU receives from the Ministry, enabling us to continue providing and developing home hospital services. This service is an important advancement, improving access to treatment and enhancing the quality of life for patients by bringing the care they need directly into their homes.
Díana Óskarsdóttir - CEO, HSU
For support in public innovation and project assistance, please contact Sveinbjörn Ingi Grímsson, specialist in the Improvement and Development Division of the FMA (sveinbjorn@fjs.is).