- A milestone for the emergency building
The board of Sørlandet Hospital today approved the preliminary project report and appendices for the emergency building in Kristiansand. The board has asked Helse Sør-Øst to take the project forward to the implementation phase.
Illustration: Bølgeblikk Arkitekter
- This is an important milestone in the realisation of this much-needed building. We are one step closer to constructing a building that we have planned carefully for several years. The preliminary project provides a sound basis for decision-making, with everyone involved working to develop the best solutions, says Managing Director Nina Mevold.
- Financially viable
The board of Sørlandet Hospital is asking the board of Helse Sør-Øst to take the project forward and provide loan financing. The project costs are estimated at NOK 1,839 million, including NOK 50 million for the overall ICT concept. The project’s budget framework is NOK 1,884 million in total.
- The trust is financially able to undertake this investment, based on assumptions including the realisation of benefits, says Mevold.
Annual operating cost savings are estimated at approximately NOK 30–45 million. Joint operations and co-location will reduce staffing and goods costs and make it possible to increase activity.
Important benefits
- In addition, the emergency building will bring many qualitative benefits. The new building will make a significant contribution to patient safety and a good working environment. It will support the development of the entire SSHF, as technological innovations will be standardised as far as possible and introduced at the hospitals in Arendal and Flekkefjord as well, says Mevold.
In today’s presentation to the board, it was explained how collaboration between the hospital and the municipalities will be strengthened by having the emergency building and health centre under the same roof. The hospital and Kristiansand Municipality have entered into a letter of intent on further cooperation, and the SSHF board endorsed continuing this collaboration.
– It is cost-effective to work with the municipality on joint planning and coordinated construction. Going forward, our cooperation on equipment, technology and expertise will also provide a better experience for patients, says Mevold.
The Helse Sør-Øst board will consider the preliminary project at its meeting on 12 February 2026.