National objectives for the functions of the wellbeing services counties

The Government adopts, at least every four years, national strategic objectives for the performance of the healthcare, social welfare and rescue service functions of the wellbeing services counties. These national objectives are a key part of the strategic steering of rescue services.

The strategic objectives may be used to highlight goals related to the operations of the rescue services and to identify areas that need reform or further development. The objectives are intended to steer the development efforts of the wellbeing services counties and, for example the preparation of decisions on the level and standard of rescue services. The objectives also govern the national steering of the wellbeing services counties and guide the negotiations conducted with the counties.

National strategic objectives for wellbeing services counties 2025–2029

The objectives consist of objectives for the counties’ activities and objectives concerning the counties’ operating conditions.

1. Objectives related for activities:

  • The counties will promote and ensure the wellbeing, health and safety of the population in their area in all situations.
  • The counties will ensure the ability of healthcare, social welfare and rescue services to organise services equally, cost-effectively and to a high standard, and in a manner that is responsive to risks and threats in the operating environment.
  • Healthcare, social welfare and rescue services that the counties are responsible for organising will be economically sustainable, of high quality and cost-effective.
  • Investments will improve the cost-effectiveness of activities and promote cooperation between counties..
  • The activities, guidance and management will emphasise effectiveness.
  • The counties will ambitiously reform their activities and finances.

2. Objectives for operating conditions:

  • The personnel of the wellbeing services counties will be competent and sufficient for the functions of the wellbeing services counties. The wellbeing of the personnel will be ensured.
  • The ability of healthcare, social welfare and rescue services to attract and retain employees will be ensured.
  • The local, regional and national management, planning, implementation and development of the activities of the wellbeing services counties will be based on information.
  • Digitalisation will be promoted across all services of the wellbeing services counties.
  • The counties will collaborate to fulfil their statutory obligations and achieve their objectives.
  • The functions of the wellbeing services counties will be carried out locally, regionally and nationally through good cooperation between people.