Healthcare professionals in Finland's Eloisa welfare district confront increasingly severe violence and threats at work. The organization recorded over 2,300 safety reports this year related to threatening situations or physical assaults against staff. This troubling trend shows violence against healthcare workers is becoming both more frequent and more brutal.
Eloisa's director Santeri Seppälä addressed the crisis directly. He stated that staff working with clients and patients face excessive psychological and physical violence. Seppälä emphasized that service changes resulting from inadequate government funding should not lead to frustration being taken out on employees.
Security chief Jari Smedberg reported inappropriate customer behavior occurs across all service areas. This includes emergency care, urgent treatment units, various department wards, and telephone services. Smedberg expressed confusion about why people threaten and assault those trying to help them.
Occupational safety manager Teemu Matilainen made a crucial point. He noted that dealing with threats and violence is not part of any healthcare job description. Matilainen urged everyone to reconsider their behavior and understand that treatment delays are never the staff's fault.
Emergency service specialist Virpi Trygg described paramedics facing verbal threats, arguments, and aggressive behavior. The situation sometimes becomes so dangerous that emergency crews must request police assistance. Trygg connected the increase in threats and unpredictable patient behavior to rising substance abuse.
Similar situations occur in emergency departments. Sometimes violent patients cannot be treated until security guards and police arrive to calm them.
Unit nurse Anri Pekurinen observed that verbal threats and name-calling against healthcare staff have clearly increased. Pekurinen warned that frequent exposure to inappropriate treatment can lead to desensitization. This should never become normal, she stressed, noting every employee deserves proper treatment.
Family therapist Jouni Vironen working in Vaalijala reported more violence incidents with expanded forms of aggression. The youth unit experienced a situation where a minor threatened an employee with a bladed weapon. The act appeared clearly premeditated.
Vironen explained that violence always violates psychological and physical integrity. Employees may suffer physical injuries, psychological harm, and require extended sick leave. Threats and violence can create traumas and fears affecting work performance and endurance.
Eloisa has implemented training to help staff anticipate, recognize, and respond to dangerous situations. The organization addresses threat incidents immediately within work communities. Employees receive referrals to occupational health psychological support when needed. Additional debriefing sessions get arranged as necessary.
Work units also review whether operational changes could prevent similar cases. This systematic approach shows the organization takes staff safety seriously.
The violence escalation reflects broader challenges in Finnish healthcare. Underfunding and staffing shortages create tense environments. Patients face longer waits, while staff work under increasing pressure. This creates conditions where frustrations boil over into aggression.
Finland's healthcare system traditionally enjoyed high public trust. The rising violence signals concerning social changes. Other Nordic countries monitor these developments closely, as similar trends could emerge across the region.
International healthcare workers considering Finland should note these workplace challenges. While Finland generally offers safe working environments, healthcare roles now carry increased risks. Prospective employees might inquire about specific safety measures during recruitment.
The situation requires coordinated action. Healthcare administrators need adequate resources to protect staff. Policymakers must address systemic funding issues. And the public should remember that healthcare workers deserve respect regardless of service delays.