Headline: Hammerfest‘s Old Hospital Closes After Nearly 70 Years; New Facility Opens
Subhead: A emotional day as patients and staff bid farewell to the historic building and move into modern, state-of-the-art facilities.
After nearly seven decades of service, Hammerfest’s old hospital can finally rest its weary frame. Just kilometers away, its successor stands ready, awaiting the transfer of patients and staff that took place today.
Sykepleier Linda Røeggen Hansen, a 30-year veteran of the older facility, describes the day as bittersweet. "I’m excited about the new hospital, but it’s also sad. So many memories are etched into these walls," she says, her voice wavering with emotion.
While she looks forward to the new workspace, Hansen acknowledges that there will be an adjustment period. "Everything is new, and we’ll have to get used to it. We’re accustomed to some old equipment, after all," she says with a laugh.
The move was originally scheduled for earlier but faced delays, much to the consternation of many, especially given the harsh winter weather in Finnmark. However, luck was on their side today, with mild weather aiding the transfer.
The relocation process kicked off in earnest on Thursday, with critical equipment being the first to make the move. Today, Friday, was dedicated to transferring the most precious cargo — the patients.
Among them was 83-year-old Karen R. Somby from Karasjok, who has been an inpatient for two weeks. Although the activity around her did not cause her any discomfort, she admits to feeling a little anxious about the change in surroundings.
"I’m a bit nervous," she confesses. "It will be a bit different, you know."
This monumental task required the cooperation of the entire county. Ambulances shuttled patients back and forth between the two facilities all day. Fortunately, not all patients had to make the trip. Some were temporarily transferred to other hospitals, like Kirkenes and Alta, to alleviate some of the pressure.
"It could have been much more challenging if we had to move into a full hospital," admits Tonje Elisabeth Hansen, the klinikksjef at Hammerfest. "With these arrangements, it’s gone quite smoothly."
As the last of the patients settle into their new rooms, the old hospital begins its slow descent into history. The final phase involves moving non-essential office equipment and supplies.
Hansen expresses her satisfaction with the successful completion of the project. "It feels great," she says. "We’re really looking forward to getting everyone under one roof and commencing full operations in our new hospital."
The new Hammerfest sykehus stands as a testament to progress and a beacon of hope for the future of healthcare in the region.
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