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Age does not determine the right to healthcare
Due to the mention in the media that elderly people should not be offered intensive care, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (“Socialstyrelsen”) makes it clear that this is not the case. The national principles for prioritising intensive care stipulate that everyone must have care on equal terms, regardless of age, as has been long established by law.
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Priority shall not be given on the basis of patients' chronological age, social situation, status or any disability.
In cases where intensive care places are not sufficient, priority is given on the basis of the patient(s) with the greatest chance of survival. Even if someone is denied intensive care, other care will be available. There is also care available to those with conditions other than covid-19, but some types of intervention may need to be postponed.