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Swedish maternity ward in 'birth tourism' push

Published: 4 Oct 11 14:09 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/36540/20111004/

Sweden's smallest maternity ward, at Sollefteå hospital in the north of the country, is hoping to reverse the trend of contracting numbers by launching a 'birth tourism' initiative to attract expectant couples from far and wide.

"We want to offer the services of our lovely hospital to more women in Sweden. All are welcome here," Karin Leiknes at Sollefteå maternity ward told The Local on Tuesday.

Leiknes explained that she and a colleague decided to launch the "birth tourism" concept after having come across something similar in Norway.

"If it works in Norway, then why wouldn't it work here," she said.

She explained that the project is a joint venture between them and a health centre located around seven kilometres from the hospital.

The plan is to offer a range of spa treatments and relaxing pursuits at a reasonable price to expectant parents.

"It is important to have peace and quiet ahead of a birth. For example in Stockholm a short while ago there was a shortage of places and people were forced to drive around. We offer a lower stress environment," Leiknes explained.

The basic price for room and board at the health centre, a converted sanatorium, has been set at 300 kronor ($43) per person per night with charges for spa treatments on top of that.

Leiknes confirmed that the Sollefteå maternity ward has long been threatened by closure, with many potential customers opting to travel to Östersund in Jämtland to give birth.

"There has been a lot of twists and turns. We are Sweden's smallest maternity ward, but that does not mean we offer a poorer service," Leiknes said.

"We are very proud of what we do, our statistics are strong and we would like to say - a warm welcome to all comers!"

External link: Sollefteå maternity ward »

Peter Vinthagen Simpson
news@thelocal.se
+46 8 656 6513

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19:34 October 4, 2011 by lovedealer76
Nice to know,keep up the good work
22:13 October 4, 2011 by DAVID T
Hmmmm - So your water breaks and then you have to take a 3 hour flight to Sollefteå or go early on a 17 hour road trip from Stockholm and then have to pay 300 sek per night - CLOSE IT DOWN
00:00 October 5, 2011 by esvahnt
this should be done with all the woman going to have a baby

free

payed by the state

over that every woman having a 5 or 6 babies should be gave her house free and no mortgage to pay and free living for her all life

in that way we wouldnt need any immigrant for luck of young population
18:48 October 8, 2011 by Corvinus
Heh, sounds like you are describing English working classes...squeeze out enough babies, never work again. The problem is you naively think those children will be contributing members of society. No they will just squeeze out more children, for more free housing and the cycle repeats. Like rats...
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