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‘In a crisis, even a large organisation is forced to be nimble and flexible’

2020-11-11

Three quick questions to Jörgen Preuss, regional director of Region Halland, about national and regional responsibility during a pandemic.

The pandemic has really put the organisation of the public sector and its way of working to the test. In your opinion, what are the most important lessons so far that we should learn?

– There is a lot to learn. One advantage in a crisis is that even a large organisation is forced to be nimble and flexible. We have an opportunity there to act quickly and to actually introduce changes to our way of working that also entail development in the longer term. This pandemic has shone a light on our need for crisis management functions for different types of crises, not just a short crisis or war. Leading based on facts and an updated analysis is crucial to how we successfully deal with the crisis. The divisions of responsibility between the government, the regions and the municipalities need to be both clear and appropriate.

How do you think the conditions for tomorrow’s healthcare will be affected by the pandemic?

– We can be sure that the health and care services will be affected, but exactly how remains an open question. My hope is that after the pandemic the ensuing debate is solutions-oriented. The COVID-19 inquiry is a good initiative with the potential of contributing to a transparent and fact-based reform process. By systematically analysing and learning from the crisis, we can come out of it together better prepared than we were before. It is therefore also crucial that changes are made based on facts and what best serves society as a whole.

What would you, as a region, like to see from the government and the responsible authorities so that you can optimally contribute to the infectious disease control work?

– I believe greater reciprocity in the exchange of information and environmental scanning benefits everybody. The regions and municipalities can together provide a wealth of knowledge; I hope that before the next crisis, we have better structures in place to utilise it. Ultimately, it is about what creates value for citizens and society.

Jörgen Preuss was interviewed by Olle Schubert, CEO of New Republic. ‘Three Quick Questions…’ is a series of interviews conducted by New Republic.

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