Jeanette Pajunen Resigns from ÅHS Amidst Board's Loss of Confidence

Director's Resignation Confirmed

Jeanette Pajunen has resigned from her position as Director of Health and Healthcare for Ålands hälso- och sjukvård (ÅHS), effective November 28, 2025. Her departure comes after the ÅHS board expressed a significant loss of confidence in her leadership, with board chair Sara Kemetter confirming that the board would have initiated termination proceedings had Pajunen not resigned.

The decision marks the end of Pajunen's seven-year tenure at the helm of ÅHS, an period that included navigating a pandemic, initiating a new digitalization era, and advancing a new healthcare information system.

Board's Concerns Over Legal Procurement and Leadership

The ÅHS board's diminished confidence in Pajunen was primarily linked to concerns regarding legal costs and the procurement of legal services. Board chair Sara Kemetter (S) stated that the issue of legal procurement was a major factor for the board. The Landskapsregering (Åland's regional government) had previously urged ÅHS to cease purchasing legal services from the firm DKCO, citing procurement threshold regulations.

Kemetter, who became board chair in March 2024, refrained from commenting on whether Pajunen's resignation was voluntary, stating, 'I as chairman of the board should not feel or think so. I respect everyone's decision.'

Pajunen Cites 'Untenable' Work Situation

In statements to local media, Jeanette Pajunen indicated that her decision to resign was due to her work situation becoming 'untenable.' She was quoted saying, 'I have simply had enough' and 'My measure is now full.' Pajunen also expressed a desire to 'get a life,' suggesting the demands of the role had become overwhelming. She denied that the ongoing issues with the implementation of the new healthcare information system, Cosmic, were the direct cause of her resignation.

Despite the board's stance, Social and Health Minister Arsim Zekaj (S) acknowledged Pajunen's contributions, stating that she had handled challenging assignments and that the board had been satisfied with her performance over the years.

Organizational Challenges and Future Outlook

Pajunen's resignation follows a turbulent period for ÅHS, characterized by several internal and external challenges. These include:

• Difficulties with the implementation of the Cosmic healthcare information system.
• Reports of widespread personnel dissatisfaction and a 'depressed atmosphere' within the organization.
• Conflicts with the Datainspektionen (Data Protection Authority) and questions surrounding the procurement of legal services.
• Concerns about a hierarchical leadership style and a lack of responsiveness from top management.

Effective December 1, 2025, Peter Nieminen, ÅHS's chief physician, will assume the role of temporary Director of Health and Healthcare while the hospital recruits a permanent successor. Union representatives and staff have voiced hopes for a 'fresh start' and significant changes within ÅHS following Pajunen's departure.