Päivystysjärjestelmä

Päivystysjärjestelmä refers to the emergency care system in Finland, responsible for providing immediate medical attention to patients with acute illnesses or injuries. It is a publicly funded network designed to ensure that everyone in Finland has access to urgent healthcare services regardless of their location or financial situation. The system is organized into different levels of care, from primary health care emergency services to specialized university hospital emergency units.

Patients typically first contact their local health center's emergency unit during opening hours. Outside of these hours, or for more serious conditions, they are directed to joint municipal emergency clinics or hospital emergency departments. The severity of the condition determines the appropriate level of care. For life-threatening emergencies, the national emergency number 112 is to be called, which dispatches an ambulance and medical personnel.

The Päivystysjärjestelmä aims to assess patients quickly, provide necessary treatment, and either send them home, admit them to a hospital ward, or transfer them to a more specialized facility. The system is a critical component of the Finnish healthcare infrastructure, prioritizing timely and effective care for acute medical needs. Its operation is governed by national legislation and regional health authorities, ensuring a coordinated approach across the country.