My Story
I am Anna Pelkonen, a specialist in pediatric and adolescent medicine and an associate professor in pediatric diseases and pediatric allergology. I work as a private physician at Pikkujätti, where I value long-term patient relationships and a flexible service structure.
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Until March 31, 2022, I served as the administrative chief physician at the HUS Inflammation Center. I have worked for HUS since 1987 and continue to actively supervise doctoral students with their dissertations. My research remains ongoing, and I have published numerous medical research articles. My previous workplaces include Jorvi and Lohja hospitals.
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In the elections for wellbeing county services on January 23, 2022, I was elected as a council member for the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County. It has been highly rewarding and interesting to take an active role in the major transformation of Finland’s social and healthcare system. I have been able to apply my extensive experience and knowledge from the healthcare sector to improve services in the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County.
I served on the Service and Resources Committee until September 30, 2023, and since October 1, 2023, I have been a member of the County Board (until May 31, 2025). The board has also appointed me as a representative on the Future and Development Committee. My goal has been to improve access to and continuity of care, thereby enhancing quality and cost control.
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Throughout my long career, I have appreciated the variety and the opportunity to influence how specialized healthcare operates. I have also found it rewarding to develop collaboration between specialized and primary care. My greatest passion remains working directly with patients, particularly children and their families.
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My husband is an engineer and biogas researcher.
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I have six children and six grandchildren. I travel daily by foot, bicycle, and, when necessary, a biogas-powered car. As a child, I spent summers on the coast of the Bothnian Bay, in my father’s hometown. My deep appreciation for the Ostrobothnian nature — its sea, marshes, and forests — stems from those early experiences.
Wellbeing services counties and their election:​
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I have decided to run again in the elections for wellbeing county services in spring 2025. The wellbeing services counties have only existed for two years, and now it is time to focus on developing services.
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The results of our work so far include:
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The rebalancing of finances has progressed at the fastest rate in the country.
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Staff shortages have almost disappeared, and the use of temporary substitutes has decreased by over 70%.
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Access to treatment has improved.
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Care and service chains now function more smoothly. Elderly patients can transition to follow-up care more easily after hospital stays, and waiting times for residential services have been reduced.
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We have successfully developed and tested new operating models, such as the family doctor model and AI-assisted medical documentation.
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I want to continue this work because significant progress is being made. I hope the future counties will focus on developing services rather than making cuts in the budget.
MY ​GOALS
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My goals are to improve access to services, ensure continuity of care — especially for those with multiple illnesses or long-term conditions — and promote public well-being and health while keeping cost increases under control.
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Strategies to achieve these goals:
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Enhancing appointment booking and callback systems.
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Expanding the entrepreneurial-based family doctor model.
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Developing digitalization, artificial intelligence, and mobile services.
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Strengthening healthcare professionals’ ability to promote physical activity.
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