Sykehuset Innlandet faces political scrutiny after creating a 2.13-million-kroner senior advisor and senior physician position for Roar Rønning, the former orthopedic department head at Lillehammer and Gjøvik, following internal conflicts at the surgical department, GD reported.
Parliamentary Inquiry Into Executive Compensation
The compensation package exceeds the salaries of 250 hospital directors across Norway, according to findings by Dagens Medisin. Lars Rem, a member of Parliament for Oppland representing the Progress Party, formally raised the issue in the Storting through a written question to Minister of Health and Care Services Jan Christian Vestre, GD reported. Rem questioned the justification for establishing high-paying administrative roles while hospital staff manage heavy workloads and frequent efficiency demands.
Rem urged the health minister to initiate a formal review of executive positions and salaries within Sykehuset Innlandet. State guidelines dictate that executive salaries in health enterprises must remain competitive without leading the market, while emphasizing moderation.
Ministerial Response on Board Authority
Jan Christian Vestre declined to intervene in the specific appointment, stating that the hospital’s board and leadership bear the responsibility for assessing competence needs and organizing operations, GD reported. Helse Sør-Øst RHF maintains the responsibility for ownership oversight of Sykehuset Innlandet HF.
Rem criticized the ministerial response as an evasion of accountability, asserting that public funds should support patient care rather than administrative expansions far removed from clinical settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific role was created for Roar Rønning?
Sykehuset Innlandet appointed Roar Rønning to a newly established position as a senior advisor and senior physician, carrying an annual salary of 2.13 million kroner without leadership responsibilities and including two remote work days per week, GD reported.
How does the salary compare to other hospital executives?
Dagens Medisin found that the compensation for the senior advisor role exceeds the salaries of 250 hospital directors in Norway, sparking public and political debate over executive pay standards in public healthcare.
Which government bodies oversee Innlandet Hospital?
Helse Sør-Øst RHF holds the responsibility for ownership follow-up and oversight of Sykehuset Innlandet HF, operating under the broader framework of state guidelines for health enterprises.
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