Sørlandets rehabiliteringssenter Eiken to expand capacity

Sørlandets rehabiliteringssenter Eiken, located in Hægebostad municipality, has signed three agreements with Helse Sør-Øst to expand its capacity. The center will increase its number of places from 55 to 96 through the construction of 40 new patient rooms and two new educational and common rooms.

The agreements focus on rehabilitation for cancer, long-term muscle and soft tissue pain, and morbid obesity. The expansion, which will be carried out by the Kristiansand-based construction firm Konsmohus, is set to cover 23,000 treatment days annually. The new contracts will take effect in 2027 and run through the end of 2029, with an option for a five-year extension.

General Manager Gro Boge Aasheim noted that the past year has been difficult for staff due to uncertainty following a parliamentary decision in February that had temporarily halted the contract process. The new model of care will involve shorter stays at the institution supplemented by increased digital follow-up both before and after the patient's stay to ensure more lasting life changes.