New collaboration aims to strengthen the healthcare system in Greenland

New technology and joint solutions will ensure faster and more precise treatment of patients in Greenland.

It should be easier for patients in Greenland to access advanced imaging diagnostics such as X-rays and scans. Therefore, the Greenland Health Service and Rigshospitalet have signed a new cooperation agreement, according to a press release from Rigshospitalet.

The goal is clear: Greenlandic patients must be guaranteed access to the same high quality in diagnostics as in Denmark – regardless of geography.

Common systems

With the agreement, a new MRI scanner has been installed at Dr. Ingrid’s Hospital in Nuuk.

In addition, hospitals in Greenland must have implemented a new digital system that makes it possible to share X-ray and scan images directly with specialists in Denmark.

– Greenland has received the same system that we use in the Capital Region of Denmark. This means that we can see each other’s images and examinations. It also means that if there is a shortage of doctors in Greenland, doctors in Denmark can access the images and help make diagnoses, says chief radiographer Johnny Madelung.

Local training

The collaboration is also about replacing old equipment in hospitals, where some devices are over 40 years old.

With new and similar equipment across the country, it will be possible to train local employees so that the Greenlandic staff can carry out the tasks themselves to a greater extent, says the chief radiographer.

– With the new equipment in the hospitals, it will be very easy to train staff to operate it. So that the staff that is available can use it. This could be, among other things, a SOSU assistant, a nurse or a Falck rescuer, who can be given a short training in operating the equipment.

Remote solutions

The agreement is an extension of an already functioning collaboration, which has created important insight into the challenges facing Greenland’s healthcare system – but also the many opportunities.

A collaboration that they are happy to further strengthen, says Director of the Greenlandic Health Service, Tina Amondsen, in the press release.

And the same applies at Rigshospitalet, where you can experience how a great deal of joint commitment creates solutions remotely. This is according to Martin Lundsgaard, chief physician at the Department of Radiology and Scanning.

– Curiosity and enthusiasm among our colleagues in the department means that collaboration develops naturally. Remote MRI is a good example of how distances of over 3000 km are no obstacle to healthcare collaboration.