Pirkanmaa to centralise outpatient psychiatry in Tampere, extending trips for Valkeakoski and Sastamala patients

Pirkanmaa wellbeing area plans to centralise outpatient psychiatric services in Tampere, which would lengthen journeys for patients from Valkeakoski and Sastamala and could lead to staff co-determination negotiations, according to Aamulehti.

The proposal is on the regional board's agenda and would transfer Sastamala and Valkeakoski clinic staff to Tampere. The two clinics employ 41 people, 29 of them care professionals. Negotiations with staff are expected later this autumn. Earlier this year Pirha moved inpatient psychiatry from Sastamala to Tampere in August and September because of a shortage of psychiatrists; Aamulehti reported in August that 26 ward employees relocated and some were dismissed after declining new posts. Pirha says the change would give all Pirkanmaa residents equal access to uniform assessment, treatment and therapy services, and officials plan a county-wide mobile team and expanded remote psychiatry services to reach patients who cannot visit clinics.

The proposal follows earlier regional reductions to local outpatient services in late June–July when many clinics ran reduced hours. It comes as Pirkanmaa plans a new Kauppi university health centre to centralise care scheduled to open around 2029.