A complex operation: How the patient transfer to the new hospital unfolded

Sunday, February 8, marked a milestone in the much-discussed chapter of the new Regional Hospital.

On that day, Region North Jutland carried out the largest patient transfer ever, moving 66 bedridden patients from Aalborg University Hospital South on Hobrovej to the new hospital in Hospitalsbyen in East Aalborg.

And already the next day, the first surgeries were performed in the new facilities.

The move had been planned down to the smallest detail.

Preparations had been made to transfer up to 150 patients, but due to discharges and home releases, the number ended up at 66.

Even so, it was a massive logistical operation, involving 500 staff members and 20 ambulances shuttling between the two hospitals.

Chairman of the Regional Council, Mads Duedahl, did not hide his excitement:

“It’s fantastic in every possible way that we’ve reached this point. Everything has worked as it should, so there’s every reason to feel proud and satisfied.

Everyone knows the construction faced major challenges and delays, but now we can truly look ahead,” he said.

Everything Was Prepared

The planning and coordination were handled by the Canadian company Health Care Relocations, which has experience with hospital transfers worldwide.

On the day itself, the company’s project manager praised the operation as both well-organized and efficient.

Aalborg University Hospital director Lars Dahl Pedersen was also very satisfied with how smoothly the move went.

“One thing is to be well prepared, another is to put it into practice. Everything went exactly as planned – with calm and full oversight,” he said.

At the same time, he acknowledged the tremendous effort of the many staff members involved in the move, both in the planning phase and on the day itself.

Sunday’s transfer included wards for:
maxillofacial surgery, ophthalmology, ear, nose, and throat surgery, neurosurgery, breast and plastic surgery, cardiology, cancer treatment, hematology, heart and lung surgery, and vascular surgery.

Next Moves Coming Soon

Several other functions have already been moved to Hospitalsbyen, including imaging diagnostics, simulation training, the shared analysis hall, and service functions such as the kitchen, storage, and sterilization unit.

In the spring, two more somatic patient transfers will take place, and the psychiatric department will also move into Hospitalsbyen.

The final patients are expected to be transferred in May, when the new hospital will also be officially inaugurated.