Stavanger University Hospital completed a major relocation operation on Sunday, moving all patients from its VÃ¥land facility to new premises at Ullandhaug. The complex transfer involved approximately 192 patients and concluded faster than anticipated.
The hospital's chief executive called the day historic for the Norwegian healthcare system. The institution now operates from two main locations following years of planning. Around 1,500 staff members and 56 ambulances participated in the coordinated effort. Ambulances came from multiple sources including other hospitals and volunteer organizations.
Patient numbers were deliberately reduced in recent weeks to simplify the logistics. The entire operation finished two hours ahead of schedule, with officials reporting no unexpected incidents during the transfer process.
Just one hour after the emergency department opened at the new facility, staff celebrated the first birth. The maternity ward continued its tradition of Sunday breakfast by holding the first meal at the Ullandhaug location.
A midwife working on her 50th birthday described the experience as feeling like playing new hospital at first, but noted everything proceeded very smoothly. The new hospital represents a massive investment in Norwegian healthcare infrastructure at 12.7 billion Norwegian kroner.
The facility spans approximately 125,000 square meters and includes comprehensive emergency functions, inpatient wards, and outpatient services. Construction continues on additional phases that will house more day treatment facilities, rehabilitation services, day surgery units, mental health care, and administrative functions.
This hospital relocation represents one of Norway's largest healthcare infrastructure projects in recent years. The successful patient transfer demonstrates careful planning and coordination across multiple organizations. Such major moves typically involve years of preparation to ensure patient safety during transportation.
Norwegian hospitals have undergone significant modernization efforts nationwide, with several regions investing in new medical facilities. The Stavanger project reflects broader trends in Scandinavian healthcare toward centralized, modern medical centers serving growing urban populations.
The timing proved fortunate for the first family to use the maternity services. Their experience symbolizes fresh beginnings for healthcare in the Rogaland region. Hospital administrators expressed gratitude to all contributors involved in the complex relocation process.
The new facility's design incorporates latest medical workflow requirements while maintaining Norwegian healthcare standards. Future construction phases will further expand services available to the region's residents. Such infrastructure investments typically generate long-term benefits for patient care and medical research capabilities.