Region Skåne reduces reliance on agency healthcare staff

Region Skåne has reported a significant reduction in reliance on agency staff during the first half of 2026. Costs for temporary personnel decreased by more than 35 percent compared to the previous year, dropping from approximately 55 million SEK to 36 million SEK.

This reduction means agency staffing costs now account for 2.5 per mille of the region's own personnel costs, the lowest proportion in Sweden. The decrease was particularly pronounced in specialized care, where costs fell by over 90 percent, and in specialized psychiatry, which utilized no agency staff during the period.

Regional officials state that the shift toward permanent staffing is intended to improve continuity of care, strengthen the working environment, and enhance patient safety by ensuring residents encounter the same medical professionals over time.