Monica
Björkell-Ruhl
East Uusimaa
As a newer resident of Lovisa, with roots in the region, and many years in my birthtown Helsinki, I have found a home in East Uusimaa where I feel happy and do well.
As a freelance editor, lecturer and parent of a son with an intellectual disability, I have extensive experience in working for accessibility, inclusion and better service. I know the importance of high-quality services that really deliver - not just on paper.
I want to work for a welfare area where no one is left out and where our elderly and special groups receive the care they deserve. With my experience, broad perspectives and strong networks, I want to contribute to change.
That is why I am running for SFP in the county election in East Uusimaa and the municipal election in Lovisa - for policies that focus on the residents.
Important political topics
Disability Services
As a parent of a son with an intellectual disability, I know what it means to fight for the need for and the right to support and resources. I know what it's like to struggle to get support. I know how frustrating it can be when the system doesn't work as it should. And I know how important it is to have someone who listens and takes your needs seriously.
I want to be a voice for those who need support the most – for people with special needs, for our elderly and for special groups that may not always be prioritized.
I want to highlight the needs and perspectives of this target group and ensure that they are taken seriously and reflected in the service decision-making process.
Safe elderly care
Elderly care must be strengthened to meet the needs of each and every individual and ensure a secure old age. As a relative of the elderly with memory disorders, I have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by both the elderly and their relatives face.
We need more adapted accommodation and a flexible homecare services that provides security and support. Relatives should not have to bear the responsibility of care alone - respite care and day activities must be expanded to provide relief.
The transport services must function reliably to prevent isolation. More flexible solutions, such as carpooling and local taxi companies, can improve accessibility.
Through more safe accommodation, better support for relatives and a stronger home service, we create care for the elderly where everyone can live with dignity.
Mental Health
Mental illness must be taken seriously with more accessible and individualized care. Early intervention and better support can prevent problems from getting worse.
Primary care requires resources to deal with mental illness early, and therapy should be available to everyone. Unprocessed grief can lead to long-term suffering – the right support in crises is crucial.
More school psychologists and counselors are needed for young people, and older people must receive better support against loneliness and depression.
All young people under the age of 29 must have the right to free contraceptives to promote sexual health, empowerment and security.
Seeking help should be as natural as in the case of a physical illness. We need to break the stigma and normalize conversations about mental health and grief.
Candidates answers in election machine
1 / 14
A new central hospital should be built in Porvoo to consolidate the services at Kungsporten.
2 / 14
All young people under the age of 29 should be guaranteed free contraceptives.
3 / 14
The health stations in Lappträsk, Askola, and Mörskom should be preserved.
4 / 14
There should be more mobile services, such as health buses and remote consultations.
5 / 14
Wellbeing services counties must increase investments in preventive healthcare, even if it means that other types of care receive fewer resources.
6 / 14
A personal doctor system should be introduced to improve continuity of care, even if it requires extra resources for a while.
7 / 14
Wellbeing services counties should prohibit the use of temporary agency doctors.
8 / 14
More shelter spaces should be established to help individuals subjected to violence.
9 / 14
To shorten waiting times, wellbeing services counties should increase the use of service vouchers.
10 / 14
Healthcare should be centralized if it saves money or improves quality.
11 / 14
Funding and resources for rescue services should be prioritized higher, even if it means cuts in other sectors.
12 / 14
Undocumented migrants should have the right to non-urgent healthcare.
13 / 14
More emphasis should be placed on training healthcare staff in gender diversity and sexual diversity.
14 / 14