Furuheim nursing home in Larvik is highlighted as an example in the second episode of the documentary series. Now the municipality is mobilizing. Strong reaction The content of the documentary series has caused the political leadership to react strongly. They also react to the fact that Brennpunkt has used a hidden camera. In the documentary series “Care behind closed doors”, news focuses on elderly care in Norway. In the series, the Brennpunkt editors have uncovered objectionable conditions in home care and nursing homes. An extraordinary meeting will be held in Larvik on Monday evening to prepare the politicians in the municipality for what is to come. The municipal council, the main committee for health, care and coping and the administration committee are on the guest list. – Can weaken the municipality’s trust The mayor initially called a meeting behind closed doors. He has no opportunity to do that. The politicians must adopt this after the meeting has been set, according to the Municipal Act. news Vestfold and Telemark pointed this out to the municipality. The following day, the wording of the notice was changed. The local newspaper Østlandsposten in Larvik has closely followed the issue of care for the elderly in the municipality. Acting editor-in-chief, Tonje E. Skørtvedt, is outraged that the press and the public may risk having to stand in the hallway in such a meeting. – In a case about elderly care in Larvik, the municipality should be open about what they think about what comes to light and what they should do next, she says. Tonje Elisabet Skørtvedt, acting editor-in-chief of Østlandsposten. Photo: Lars Tore Endresen / news She believes that closed doors can contribute to weakening the municipality’s trust, and give the impression that they are not addressing the challenges. To Østlandsposten, municipal director Gro Herheim says that the summons they sent out was incomplete. – I apologize that this notice was not complete. We will inform as far as we can in an open meeting, she says to the local newspaper. If it turns out that the politicians choose to close the doors to the public, Østlandsposten will appeal the decision to the State Administrator. Inviting relatives to a separate meeting Relatives of residents at the relevant nursing home have been called to a separate meeting with the municipality, the day before the Brennpunkt program is shown on TV. According to Østlandsposten, the purpose is to clarify the municipality’s view of the way in which news has used a hidden camera, and that relatives should be confident that good care is provided at the nursing home. Fearing the municipality’s reputation Since mayor Erik Bringedal (H) is on holiday, it is deputy mayor Rune Høiseth (Ap) who is speaking out about the matter. He also chairs the main committee for health, care and coping. Høiseth has not seen the documentary herself, but is aware that it will show objectionable conditions at a nursing home in the municipality. – We have already addressed this, he says to news. Deputy mayor of Larvik, Rune Høiseth (Ap). Photo: Lars Tore Endresen / news – Why are you having the meeting? – This is so serious that we want to inform all elected representatives and give them the opportunity to ask questions and make comments. Personally, he welcomes the debate around elderly care. If some of the meeting on Monday is closed, it is for reasons of privacy and confidentiality, he explains. Høiseth fears Larvik’s reputation will be weakened as a result of the documentary. He wants to assure relatives that Larvik has good and safe care for the elderly. He is aware that mistakes happen, but says they are corrected. – It means that we are getting better.
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Call for emergency meeting before Brennpunkt documentary – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
