The change negotiations at the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) have been concluded. As a result of the negotiations, 58 positions will be terminated and eight positions will be converted into part-time roles.
The negotiations were part of efforts to balance FSHS’s finances and to continue its strategic renewal. As a result, the number of employees at FSHS will decrease by approximately five per cent. FSHS employs 1,150 people.
The changes affected general and mental health services, oral health care, and administration. General practitioners and specialist physicians were not included within the scope of the negotiations.
The negotiations were driven by FSHS’s financial situation. Due to its funding model, FSHS does not have the ability to increase its revenue. Funding is granted on an annual basis.
The organisational reform in line with the strategy was launched in November 2025, when FSHS began building a nationwide operating model that supports digital services.
A clear national organisational structure will be established for general and mental health services, and these services will be managed as a single entity. The operating model emphasises multiprofessional teams and the utilisation of digital services.
“The increase in the number of students and growing demand for services require us to renew our structures and improve efficiency so that we can provide timely and appropriate care to as many students as possible,” says Annika Saarikko, CEO of FSHS.
Number of service points will not decrease
The changes will be implemented in a manner that minimises the impact on student services. The number of FSHS service points will not be affected.
“The change negotiations have been a heavy and difficult process for our personnel. The decisions taken are regrettable but necessary to safeguard the financial sustainability of our operations and to enable the long-term development of our services,” says Annika Saarikko, CEO of FSHS.
“FSHS’s strategic renewal work has progressed systematically, and YTHSDigi, for example, has been very well received among students. We have brought health services to where many everyday activities already take place – on mobile devices. The financial, structural and operational changes now being implemented will ensure that FSHS continues to serve students as effectively as possible and remains a forerunner in service development,” says Tuomo Yli-Huttula, Chair of the FSHS Board.
Further information
Annika Saarikko, CEO, FSHS, tel. +358 40 744 6770