Norway's Helse Nord board has appointed a former hospital director who threatened its chair eight years ago, reigniting a bitter health care dispute in the Arctic region. Tor Ingebrigtsen, once the director of the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN), now joins the very board he clashed with in 2018, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from politicians across Nordland. The appointment comes as Helse Nord faces scrutiny over regional imbalances and trust issues, with critics calling it a paradoxical decision that undermines efforts to rebuild confidence in the health authority.
A Threat That Echoes
In 2018, ahead of a contentious board meeting at Helse Nord, Tor Ingebrigtsen made threats against the then-board chair, Marianne Telle. According to Telle, Ingebrigtsen said she "would be crushed" and "would have nothing left" if the board did not comply with his demands. The confrontation stemmed from a heated dispute over the establishment of PCI-treatment, a specialized cardiac care service, in Bodø versus Tromsø. Ingebrigtsen was advocating for UNN in Tromsø, while Nordlandssykehuset in Bodø sought the service, leading to a regional rift that persists today. Following the threats, Ingebrigtsen stepped down from his role but secured a lucrative exit package, retaining 85 percent of his 1.9 million kroner salary and a guaranteed position at the University of Tromsø (UiT). His departure was seen as a resolution to the immediate conflict, but the underlying tensions remained unresolved.
The Health Care Battle Continues
The PCI-treatment dispute between UNN and Nordlandssykehuset has been a longstanding issue in Northern Norway, reflecting deeper regional rivalries over resource allocation and medical services. Ingebrigtsen's actions in 2018 were a focal point in this battle, with the board ultimately deciding to establish the service in Bodø. However, the conflict did not end there. This spring, a proposal from the Progress Party (Frp) is set to go before the Storting, Norway's parliament, advocating for 24/7 heart treatment in Bodø, a move strongly opposed by medical professionals in Tromsø. The reappointment of Ingebrigtsen to the Helse Nord board is viewed by many as a step that could exacerbate these divisions, given his historical stance and the perceived Tromsø-centric bias in the new board composition. Politicians in Nordland have expressed concern that the board is overly concentrated around Tromsø, which may hinder efforts to foster unity and trust across the region.
Political Reactions and Regional Concerns
Reactions to Ingebrigtsen's appointment have been swift and critical. Christian Torset, an SV politician in Nordland, compared the move to "the fire department hiring an arsonist," emphasizing that Ingebrigtsen's past behavior demonstrates an inability to limit his methods in advocacy. Torset argued that this disqualifies him from a board role meant to oversee and bridge regional health care interests. Similarly, Marianne Dobak Kvensjø, the county council leader for the Conservative Party (H) in Nordland, questioned the health minister's decision, pointing to Ingebrigtsen's history and the timing of the appointment. "In a time when trust and the reputation of Helse Nord are worn thin, I would have thought the minister would appoint someone with experience in being a greater bridge-builder," Kvensjø said. She also highlighted the Tromsø dominance in the new board, noting that it requires extra effort to rebuild trust, particularly in Nordland. Kvensjø added that while everyone deserves a second chance, the context of Helse Nord's current challenges makes this appointment puzzling.
Implications for Helse Nord's Future
The appointment raises broader questions about governance and regional equity in Norway's health care system. Helse Nord, responsible for health services in Northern Norway, has faced criticism for perceived imbalances, with concerns that Tromsø-based institutions receive preferential treatment. Ingebrigtsen's return to a position of influence may deepen these perceptions, especially as the PCI-treatment debate resurfaces in the Storting. The health minister's choice to include him in the board suggests a focus on experience, but critics argue it overlooks the need for reconciliation and trust-building. Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen, the mayor of Bodø, has also expressed worries in a letter to the health department, underscoring the regional apprehensions. The situation underscores the delicate balance required in managing Arctic health services, where geographical vastness and population distribution complicate resource allocation. As Helse Nord moves forward, the board's ability to address these historical grievances will be closely watched, with Ingebrigtsen's presence serving as a constant reminder of past conflicts.
A Test of Trust and Time
Eight years after the threats that led to his exit, Tor Ingebrigtsen's appointment to the Helse Nord board presents a test of whether past actions should define future roles in Norway's public health administration. The decision has sparked a necessary conversation about accountability, regional representation, and the healing of institutional rifts. With political voices in Nordland calling for greater inclusivity and transparency, the board's proceedings in the coming months will be critical. Will Ingebrigtsen's return help mend fences or reopen old wounds? As the Storting prepares to debate the future of heart treatment in Bodø, the answer may shape the trajectory of health care in Northern Norway for years to come, highlighting the enduring impact of personal conflicts on public policy.