Calls for Political Accountability as Cultural Service Cuts Threaten Health and Democracy in Region Västerbotten

Anette Sundbom, former regional library chief, has sounded the alarm over deep staff cuts at hospital libraries in Region Västerbotten, highlighting the broader implications for cultural access, public health, and democratic values. Sundbom emphasizes that the recent decision by regional authorities to reduce personnel costs by 250 million SEK—including a 2.7 million SEK cut to cultural services—has led to hospital library staffing dropping to just 3.5 full-time positions across the region, severely undermining access to cultural resources for patients.

Research indicates culture plays a crucial role in promoting health and well-being, even aiding disease management, aligning with the Region Västerbotten’s 2024-2027 cultural plan which prioritizes guaranteeing cultural access to all, especially children and youth in hospitals. Anton Nazarko underscores the wider significance of culture amid current global crises, stating "without culture, there is no life."

Sundbom argues that these cuts represent more than budgetary decisions—they contribute to a dangerous normalization of eroding democratic principles by depriving communities of cultural participation, a cornerstone of democracy. She calls for political leaders to be held accountable for choices that prioritize cost savings at the expense of essential cultural services.

The staff reductions in hospital libraries thus not only threaten patient well-being but signal a deeper democratic concern as cultural access dwindles. The debate continues over political responsibility in balancing fiscal constraints with safeguarding cultural and health-related services vital to community life.