Criticism of the health centre Närhälsan Slottskogen within Region Västra Götaland for incorrect information in invitations to receive COVID-19 vaccinations

Summary of the decision: In order for a regional health authority to charge a patient for failing to attend a healthcare appointment, the appointment must have been agreed. The Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman notes that an invitation offering a reserved time for a COVID-19 vaccination does not constitute an agreed appointment, The health centre Närhälsan Slottskogen is criticised for stating in such an invitation that the patient will be invoiced should she or he fail to attend the appointment without cancelling it in advance. Furthermore, when there are no legal grounds for charging a fee, the Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman considers providing such information to be incompatible with the Instrument of Government’s requirement for objectivity.