BB opens over Christmas, flu vaccination urged

Lycksele BB will remain open over Christmas and New Year for the first time in six years. More influenza cases are expected, and Region Västerbotten recommends vaccination for those at increased risk of becoming seriously ill. An assistance company in Skellefteå has reported a serious deficiency to Ivo after a diabetic patient was left without food and medicine.

Lycksele BB open at Christmas and New Year – for the first time in six years

Lycksele BB has been forced to remain closed during the past six Christmases. This year, BB will be open over both Christmas and New Year.

According to SVT Nyheter Västerbotten, this is because it has hired four new midwives and brought in more permanent staff. Norran reports that the hospital has been able to hire two newly graduated midwives. In December, 20 babies are expected to be born at Lycksele BB, according to SVT; Norran writes of around 20 deliveries. Ahead of summer, it is uncertain: most likely BB will not be fully open then, since staff need to take vacation. According to Norran, the pressure on BB in Skellefteå and Umeå is also decreasing during winter. SVT Nyheter Västerbotten and Norran.

Diabetic person without food and medicine – report to Ivo

A personal assistant in Skellefteå neglected to do their job. A person with diabetes was left without food and medicine and received no help with their personal hygiene.

The person was found naked in their bed by another assistant. The person had lost the ability to speak and could not call for help on their own. The assistant immediately provided food and medicine and reported the misconduct. According to the report to Inspektionen för vård och omsorg (Ivo), which scrutinizes healthcare and social care, the person had long expressed dissatisfaction with one of their assistants. The client had diabetes and used an insulin pump. The care provider company states that the client was subjected to a serious threat to their safety and fundamental rights under LSS (the Act on Support and Service for Persons with Certain Functional Impairments). The assistant no longer works there. The company has reviewed its routines. The head of operations writes that the company is subject to confidentiality obligations under LSS and that serious misconduct is reported to Ivo. SVT Nyheter Västerbotten.

Influenza expected to increase – vaccination recommended in Västerbotten

Influenza transmission is expected to increase over the coming weeks. Region Västerbotten, the regional healthcare service, recommends that anyone at increased risk of becoming seriously ill get vaccinated.

So far this season, transmission of influenza and covid-19 has been low. The infection control physician in Region Västerbotten says that the number of influenza cases is beginning to increase nationwide and that the season will therefore probably start shortly. The vaccines are updated ahead of each season. Those who are vaccinated can still become infected, but the risk of becoming seriously ill is considerably lower. Norran.

Umeå principal demands halt to gambling advertising aimed at young people

Gambling for money is a growing problem, primarily among young men. The government is now investigating whether children and young adults can be protected from gambling advertising.

Among all boys in year 2 of upper secondary school, 14 percent engage in risky gambling. In year 9, 10 percent of boys have problems, according to a survey by the Central Association for Alcohol and Drug Information. The principal of Umeå Elitidrottsgymnasium demands that advertising for betting on social media be banned. He says: “It becomes like a feeding frenzy around gambling.” He also says that AI makes it easier for gambling companies to reach young people and target them with advertising. The investigation will examine, among other things, how direct advertising and marketing on social media reach children and young adults. SVT Nyheter Västerbotten.

1,000 parking spaces disappear when the Norrbotnia railway is built

From 2028, Trafikverket, the Swedish government agency responsible for roads and railways, will be entitled to acquire land for the future Norrbotnia railway, which is to run through central Skellefteå.

Skellefteå municipality estimates that around 1,000 parking spaces will then disappear. The municipality is looking for alternative sites and has so far found space for around 500 cars. The chair of the urban development committee (S) says that this is a challenge and that the municipality also needs to review cycling and bus services. Discussions are being held with the municipal housing companies about how the spaces in their parking garages are to be used. Construction of the railway and travel centre is estimated to take around 10 years. SVT Nyheter Västerbotten.

Skellefteå AIK drew in CHL – one player injured

Skellefteå AIK secured a draw from the first round of 16 in the CHL, the European ice hockey club tournament. The match in Ängelholm ended 2–2.

The home team took the lead after just 3.09. AIK equalized a little over three minutes later. One of AIK's players was added to the injury list. The coach says it is difficult to say how long the player will be out, or whether he can play on Thursday. The tie will be decided next week. Norran.

In brief

• At Handelsbanken's office in Norsjö, the corporate adviser is retiring after 25 years, and a 22-year-old woman is taking over the role. Norran
• Eight people are being forced to leave the fish processing plant in Vilhelmina after the IPN virus was discovered at Umlax fish farming in Malgomaj, and 600 tonnes of fish had to be slaughtered. SVT Nyheter Västerbotten
• The property at Sikeå 320 in Robertsfors has been sold for 75,000 kr, and the plot is 1,543 square metres. Norran
• The sports director of Sunnanå SK women's team will continue in her role next season as well. Norran
• Skellefteå's stored snow has attracted skiers from Västerbotten, Norrbotten, Finland and Northern Norway, and 18,000 cubic metres of snow created almost 2 kilometres of trails on Vitberget. SVT Nyheter Västerbotten
• A single-vehicle accident involving a truck occurred on the E4 just south of Bureå on the night of Tuesday, and traffic between Bureheden and Kälen is affected in both directions. Norran and Norran
• Ulf Kristersson (M) is to report on his exploratory assignment to form a government on Tuesday 17 November, Speaker Andreas Norlén announced. Norran