Audit Reveals Financial Oversight Failures in Västra Götalandsregionen Hospitals

A recent auditor report has uncovered significant deficiencies in the financial management and oversight of Västra Götalandsregionen’s healthcare system. Over the last year, the region’s governing bodies have failed to maintain adequate economic control, leading to a collective deficit exceeding 900 million kronor. The audit strongly criticizes hospital boards, particularly the NU-sjukvården board, for poor financial governance and neglecting their responsibilities under the region’s economic policies.

Krister Stensson, chairman of the audit committee, highlighted that continuous deviations from the region’s established economic principles weaken financial governance and erode trust in leadership. According to Swedish municipal law, regions are required to uphold sustainable economic practices, ensuring revenues exceed costs and operations remain efficient. Despite these legal mandates, the Västra Götalandsregionen boards—including the regional board, health and medical care board, and hospital boards such as Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Södra Älvsborg Hospital—have shown low budget compliance and insufficient coordination in managing deficits.

The auditors reported a lack of unified understanding among the boards about recurring annual deficits and expressed concern over the unrealistic nature of many proposed financial measures. Many actions put forward by hospital boards have unclear or exaggerated effects, with some falling outside their control. The audit emphasizes the need for hospital boards to enhance their ability to assess feasible and effective financial management strategies.

The report recognizes Västra Götalandsregionen’s new policy on economic management, which aims to strengthen governance by providing clearer guidance and support to hospital boards in balancing budget adherence with legal demands for accessibility to healthcare services. The audit committee requires hospital boards to submit reports by the end of June outlining actions taken or planned to address identified financial challenges.

This critical review signals an urgent call for improved economic oversight, coordinated prioritization, and stronger compliance to restore stability and trust in the region’s hospital financial management.