Management Dismissed After Major Failings Exposed in Uddevalla Home Care Services

Two managers have been dismissed and others warned or reassigned following a scandal that unraveled significant deficiencies within Uddevalla's home care services, particularly the night care unit. An external investigation, presented by municipal director Malin Krantz, found serious shortcomings including missed client visits, poor hygiene, delayed alarm responses, staff sleeping on the job, and rough treatment that instilled fear among clients.

The scandal emerged after around 20 employees were suspended in early September due to these failures. The investigation uncovered longstanding problems, first flagged in a 2020 workplace survey that went unaddressed, reflecting systemic neglect in management oversight.

Three managers were identified as responsible. One, who is now retired, has been criticized, while two department heads remain within the municipality but faced consequences: one dismissed and another warned of imminent termination. Additionally, three permanent staff members have been fired, with temporary contracts ended or suspended for others. Five employees have returned to work, while eleven remain suspended.

Malin Krantz expressed regret and acknowledged her ultimate responsibility as municipal director, emphasizing that such management failures are unacceptable and highlighting the need for stronger leadership and accountability. The home care service issues were so severe that they were reported to Sweden's Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO) under lex Sarah regulations.

Martin Pettersson, chairman of Uddevalla's municipal council, condemned the management style responsible for allowing these shortcomings to persist. Despite early warning signs from the 2020 workplace survey, corrective action was not taken, allowing problems to escalate and severely impact vulnerable clients relying on these services.

This decisive response aims to restore trust and improve care quality after a deeply troubling episode exposed systemic failures within Uddevalla's home care institutions.