About the Region of Southern Denmark the citizens region regionsyddanmark.dk
Openness, dialogue and citizen involvement Openness, dialogue and citizen involvement are key parameters for interaction between the Region of Southern Denmark on the one hand and private citizens, local authorities, the business community and knowledge institutions on the other. The ultimate objective is to create solutions that allow everyone to thrive, and which everyone will be keen to accomplish. Good examples of openness, dialogue and citizen involvement include the skill shown by hospital departments in drawing on input from the patients themselves after they have experienced an illness. Or when a social services programme makes the effort to include its users and their relatives in decisions concerning the everyday life of citizens. In this way, we improve conditions for future patients and citizens. Openness Award The Region has introduced an Openness Award that is presented every year to a department, a social services programme or a hospital that has made an extra effort to practise openness, dialogue and citizen involvement. Citizens also have their own lectern in the Regional Council chamber, which they can use to put questions to the Regional Council prior to every meeting. Other examples include: Dialogue meetings, webcast Regional Council meetings, workshops, citizen councils and user committees. Openness dialogue citizen involvement 3
The Region s core assignments The four main areas The Region s core assignments are divided into four main areas: Health Social services and Special education Psychiatry Regional Development The most important task of the Region of Southern Denmark is to operate the healthcare service in Southern Denmark. The Region also handles specialist assignments in the field of social services, and in relation to both children and adults with disabilities. Finally, the Region is responsible for assuring and coordinating development and growth in Southern Denmark. The big picture and the details The Region is involved in establishing the broad lines and in ensuring that top quality is maintained down to the smallest detail. This applies to everything from the regional development plan which outlines the vision for the Region s development to defining pedagogical input in the social services programmes and to making sure that patients at the hospital can have plaster casts applied to their broken limbs. Close interaction with numerous players The Region handles many of its assignments in close interaction with the 22 local authorities it comprises. In addition, the Region works closely with the business community, labour market parties and knowledge and education institutions in a variety of areas. 5
Healthcare spotlight on the patient The biggest assignment for the Region of Southern Denmark is to run the region s healthcare system, drawing on an annual budget of around DKK 22.6 billion. The vision for the healthcare service in the Region of Southern Denmark is: You re responsible for your health Together we will take care of your illness Region of Southern Denmark The healthcare service in the Region of Southern Denmark is there to serve citizens, and it makes an active contribution to preventing and treating illnesses and thus to improving citizens health in general. The Region of Southern Denmark runs four hospital units: Odense University Hospital Hospital Little Belt South-West Jutland Hospital South Jutland Hospital The Region of Southern Denmark works with 800 General Practitioners (GPs) to provide medical care. The Region is also responsible for subsidising medicines as well as treatment by dentists, physiotherapists, chiropodists, chiropractors and psychologists. Moreover, the Region works closely with both GPs and the 22 local authorities to provide citizens with the best possible coherence in the patient process. FACTS Around 21,000 people are employed in the field of healthcare in the Region of Southern Denmark. The annual healthcare budget totals DKK 22.6 billion, of which more than 80 per cent is financed by the Danish State. The remainder is financed by the local authorities in the form of a fixed basic fee and other activity-dependent payments. 7
Specialised social services programmes a good framework for citizens with special needs The eight social services centres in the Region of Southern Denmark are tasked with providing specialist assistance to children and adults with special needs. The Centre for Late Brain Damage organises accommodation, activities and interaction programmes for people with complex brain injuries. The work is based on a holistic and neuroprofessional approach. The Communication and Welfare Technology Centre provides consultancy, teaching and specialist pedagogical assistance to people suffering from functional impairment in the area of speech, hearing, sight and/or mobility. The North-East Funen Centre for Disabled People organises accommodation, activities and interaction programmes for people suffering from significant functional impairment of a communicative, psychological and/or physical nature. The South-East Funen Centre for Disabled People organises accommodation, activities and interaction programmes for people suffering from significant functional impairment of a communicative, psychological and/or physical nature, including citizens with special needs. The Specialist Centre for Adults with Disabilities provides accommodation, rehabilitation and employment programmes for mentally challenged adults, including people sentenced by the courts who require special instruction. The Centre for Substance Abuse and Social Psychiatry evaluates, rehabilitates and supports people suffering from complex psychiatric ailments and substance abuse issues. The centre offers some accommodation, including sheltered accommodation. The Region of Southern Denmark Autism Centre provides accommodation and employment programmes for children and adults with autism spectrum-disorders. The Æblehaven department also works with blind and deaf/blind people. The Centre for Children and Young People provides accommodation and education programmes for children and teenagers with physical disabilities and/or special social difficulties. The centre also offers sheltered places. FACTS The area of social services employs approx. 1,800 people. The annual budget of around DKK 0.8 billion is primarily covered by the local authorities via charges. 9
Psychiatry the fifth hospital quality, cohesion and accessibility Most patients treated by the Psychiatric Services in the Region of Southern Denmark are cared for as outpatients. For adults, the outpatient treatment is provided through local psychiatric clinics close to where they live, or even in their own homes. For example the programme may involve visits from local psychosis teams. Treatment involving hospitalisation is provided at hospital departments with 24-hour wards. Children and teenagers are also treated as outpatients or during hospitalisation at one of the three special psychiatric departments for children and young people. In addition, the hospital treats forensic psychiatry patients who have been sentenced to treatment, as well as refugees and victims of torture. In 2013, the Psychiatric Services in the Region of Southern Denmark opened the first telepsychiatric centre in the country. The hospital uses PsykInfo a centre for advice and information to communicate knowledge about psychological illnesses. PsykInfo is present in local psychiatric clinics and on wards, and its primary focus is on consultancy, courses and events. For additional information visit: www.psykiatrienisyddanmark.dk www.psykinfo.regionsyddanmark.dk FACTS The Psychiatric Services in the Region of Southern Denmark employ more than 2,500 people and have a budget of DKK 1.3 billion. The funding comprises a block grant from the Danish State, a fixed basic fee from the local authorities, and activity-dependent payments. 11
Regional Development generating growth, innovation and workplaces The Region of Southern Denmark is the driving force behind the regional development that establishes a solid framework for citizens and the business community to make Southern Denmark an active and dynamic area. This demands close interaction with local authorities, the business community, various labour market parties, and education and knowledge institutions. The Region is responsible for The Regional Development Plan. This is to be replaced by the Regional Growth and Development Strategy in 2015. The Growth Forum for regional commercial development Culture and education (coordination of upper secondary school courses and adult education centres (VUC)) The strategy for sustainable development Handling risks from soil pollution (mapping, investigation and sanitation) Raw material mapping and, from summer 2014, raw material extraction permits The strategic basis, commissioning and payment of regional bus operation Cross-border and international collaboration Regional Development Plan The Regional Development Plan lays down the overarching vision and strategy for development of the Region. The plan describes the development desired and the measures to be implemented for: Employment Commercial development and tourism Nature and the environment Education and culture Rural districts and outlying areas The coming Regional Growth and Development Strategy will replace the Regional Development Plan. The purpose of the new strategy is to reinforce the Region in its entirety by setting goals for its future development, as well as for regional growth and development conditions. Growth Forum The regional growth forum Southern Denmark Growth Forum plays a crucial role in regard to commercial development in Southern Denmark. The forum numbers 21 members appointed by the Regional Council on the basis of nominations from the local authorities and organisations. The Growth Forum includes representatives from the Regional Council, local authorities, knowledge institutions, the business community and commercial organisations. The German minority in the region is represented by an observer. FACTS A total of 105 employees work with regional development in the Region of Southern Denmark. The area has an annual budget of around DKK 531 million. A little over 70 percent of the budget is financed through block grants from the Danish State. The remainder is financed by the local authorities. 13
Gateway to Europe The Region of Southern Denmark is a dynamic growth area with a central geographical location. Not only in relation to the rest of Denmark, but also with regard to Germany, which is Denmark s biggest trade partner, and the rest of Europe. Southern Denmark is home to Odense University Hospital one of the largest and most modern hospitals in Scandinavia whose areas of specialisation include diseases of the heart and major vessels, cancer and microsurgery to reattach fingers, hands, etc. The third largest university in Denmark the University of Southern Denmark is also located in the region, with departments in Esbjerg, Kolding, Odense, Sønderborg, Copenhagen and Slagelse. A number of the companies based in Southern Denmark are famous world-wide, including Linak on the island of Als, Danfoss in Nordborg, Ecco Denmark in Tønder and, of course, LEGO in Billund. In addition, the region is the site of a major offshore industry base in Esbjerg. FACTS The Region of Southern Denmark is the biggest employer in the region, providing work for almost 25,000 people. The Region of Southern Denmark is run by the Regional Council, which is made up of 41 politicians elected by popular vote for a period of four years. The current Regional Council has been elected for the period 2014 17. Regional Council meetings are open to the general public and transmitted live online at regionsyddanmark.dk. Recordings are also available via the website, so interested viewers can watch earlier meetings. However, some matters do have to be dealt with behind closed doors where Danish legislation requires such. When the Regional Council makes decisions, the typical process is: The issue is presented to a standing committee for processing Citizens, stakeholders and experts are involved in a hearing The Regional Council debates the issue and makes the final decision The Regional Council holds one meeting per month at the Regionshuset building in Vejle, which is the seat of the Region.
The Region of Southern Denmark Geographically, the Region of Southern Denmark extends from approx. 40 km north-west of Vejle to Padborg in the south, and from Esbjerg in the west to Nyborg in the east. Varde Billund Vejle Fredericia Nordfyn Esbjerg Vejen Kolding Middelfart Kerteminde Fanø Odense Haderslev Assens Faaborg-Midtfyn Nyborg Svendborg Tønder Aabenraa Sønderborg Ærø Langeland 15
The Regional Council The Regional Council is made up of 41 politicians elected by popular vote. The Regional Council is the ultimate decision-making body of the Region of Southern Denmark. The current Regional Council took up its duties on 1 January 2014 and is to sit for four years. The next council election will be held in November 2017.
The Regional Council Members of the Regional Council The Regional Council is made up of 41 members. They all sit for a period of four years. MEMBERS OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL: V The Liberal Party 15 seats A The Social Democratic Party 12 seats O The Danish People s Party 5 seats C The Conservative People s Party 3 seats F The Socialist People s Party 2 seats Ø The Red-Green Alliance 2 seats B The Social Liberal Party 1 seat I The Liberal Alliance 1 seat The Social Democratic Party (A) Poul-Erik Svendsen (First Deputy Chairman) Karsten Uno Petersen Jørn Lehmann Petersen Pia Tørving Bente Gertz Poul Andersen Pierre Topaz William Jensen Simon Hempel-Jørgensen Meho Selman Peter Christensen Andrea Terp The Danish Social-Liberal Party (B) Kristian Grønbæk Andersen The Conservative People s Party (C) Lasse Krull John Lohff Poul Sækmose The Liberal Party (V) Carl Holst (Regional Council Chairman) Stephanie Lose Bo Libergren Preben Jensen Preben Friis-Hauge Sonny Berthold Carsten Abild Thyge Nielsen Mette Bossen Linnet Tage Petersen Hans Philip Tietje Peder Hvejsel Ulrik Sand Larsen Herdis Hanghøi Jens Møller The Red-Green Alliance (Ø) Vibeke Syppli Enrum Mikkel Andersen The Socialist People s Party (F) Karsten Hønge Ida Damborg The Liberal Alliance (I) Marianne Mørk Mathiesen The Danish People s Party (O) Thies Mathiasen (Second Deputy Chairman) Niels Erik Søndergaard Susanne Eilersen Holger Gorm Petersen Peter Kofod Poulsen Regional Council committees The business committee The health committee The healthcare coordination committee The innovation committee The pre-hospital committee The committee for psychiatric and social services The committee for Regional Development The committee for Danish-German collaboration The committee for the environment, soil pollution issues and raw materials The equal opportunities committee 17
The Region of Southern Denmark Damhaven 12. DK-7100 Vejle Tel. +45 7663 1000 regionsyddanmark.dk 13312 - Grafisk Service, Region Syddanmark - GB - 07.2014 FACTS ABOUT THE REGION OF SOUTHERN DENMARK Area: 12,256 km 2 Population: 1.2 million Population density: 98 residents per km 2 Citizens entitled to vote: 942,000 Annual budget: DKK 25.6 billion Largest local municipality: Odense population: 196,000 Smallest local municipality: Fanø population: 3,300 Want to find out more? For additional information, visit: regionsyddanmark.dk