Swedish Health Minister Calls Crisis Meeting Over Staff Stress

Stress levels in Sweden's healthcare system have reached historically high levels, leading Healthcare Minister Elisabet Lann of the Christian Democrats (KD) to call a crisis meeting. The decision follows two recent reports highlighting serious concerns about working conditions. Försäkringskassan’s 2026 situation report shows that stress-related sick leave remains at record highs across healthcare, schools, and social care. Separately, the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s inspection report from November 2025 identified deficiencies in workplace safety practices at emergency hospitals throughout the country. In response, Minister Lann has invited labor unions, private healthcare providers, Sveriges Kommuner och Regioner (SKR), and relevant government agencies to a meeting next Tuesday. The invitation was announced in an official press release. The purpose of the meeting is to develop a shared understanding of the main obstacles preventing sustainable working environments in these sectors and to identify specific actions that can be taken. The government states that this effort is focused on addressing current challenges in workplace conditions. The meeting represents a direct reaction to documented problems in staff well-being and operational safety within public service sectors, particularly in acute care settings. No additional details about potential outcomes or follow-up measures were included in the announcement.