T2021-01 Patient deaths in a unit of the South Savo Social and health care authority, 9 September 2021 to 4 October 2021

06.10.2021

By virtue of section 2 of the Safety Investigation Act (525/2011), National Safety Investigation Authority Finland has decided to launch an investigation into serious incidents that have led to the deaths of patients in the South Savo Social and Health Care Authority between 9 September 2021 and 4 October 2021. Three patients in ward care have most likely committed suicide in a short period of time in one of the Authority’s health care units.

Ilona Hatakka, MA, has been appointed head of the investigation team, with Riitta Flinck, Master of Health Sciences and Public Health Specialist, Jussi Laaksonen, Licentiate of Medicine, and Kari Ylönen, Master of Political Sciences as its members. Chief Safety Investigator of social welfare and health care accidents, Hanna Tiirinki, Doctor of Health Sciences, will serve as the Investigator-in-Charge.