The laboratory at Hauho health centre in Kanta-Häme, Finland, now opens only one day a week, and residents fear the entire health station could be next to close. In neighbouring Lammi, the laboratory is open four days a week, according to Yle.
The one-day schedule began in March as part of unifying nearby services across Kanta-Häme, which also include Parola, Tervakoski and Loppi. Hauho residents have complained to the administrative court about cuts to health services. Fimlab regional director Birgit Aikio said no second laboratory day is coming to Hauho.
"It would mean, on the equality principle, that other one-day municipalities should also be considered differently. This is this year's plan together with the wellbeing services county," Aikio said.
Aikio said about seven percent of booked appointments remain unused on average. "We intentionally keep extra appointments so availability stays flexible," she said. Fimlab's regional service manager Anna-Maija Haapala said laboratory demand and supply are monitored weekly.
Olga Kuksina, a veterinarian and member of Hauho's social and health monitoring group, said people spend considerably more time on laboratory visits when they must travel further to the city or to Lammi. Retiree Marjatta Salminen visits the laboratory about every three weeks without a car. "I'm awfully grateful if the laboratory stays here. I always have to ask a neighbour for a ride," Salminen said.
Arja Rönkkö said she wouldn't gladly go elsewhere. "I think many visits will be left unmade," she said.