Doctor Cap: Fewer Specialists Hired in the Capital Region of Denmark

The number of medical specialists in the Capital Region of Denmark has declined since May 2025. This follows the introduction of a qualified hiring freeze for specialists, implemented by the region in June. The initiative supports the government’s and Danish Regions’ aim of ensuring a more even distribution of doctors across Eastern Denmark.

New figures from the region show that, as of October, there were 3,204 specialists employed at the affected hospitals—34 positions above the established cap of 3,170. At the same time, the number of specialist positions has decreased by 18 since May.

“It’s moving in the right direction, and I’m pleased about that. Strengthening medical coverage outside of the larger cities and at smaller hospitals is a key task in the healthcare reform. This means we can no longer continue increasing the inflow of doctors to the major hospitals in the capital region. We must take a shared responsibility for a more equitable distribution of doctors, and we are doing that by limiting new hires,” says Regional Council Chairman Lars Gaardhøj (Social Democrats).

The qualified hiring freeze applies to Rigshospitalet, Amager and Hvidovre Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, North Zealand Hospital, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, and the Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen. Bornholm Hospital is exempt, as is the psychiatric sector until January 1, 2026.

The number of doctors in unclassified positions has also declined, with 33 fewer such positions in October compared to May. Although these roles are not covered by the cap, the regional executive committee has decided that their number should not increase.

Regional Director Jens Gordon Clausen emphasizes that both hospital administrations and executive management are closely monitoring the situation. “We must take responsibility and help create greater geographic equality in the future Region Eastern Denmark. This is a mandatory task for us in the capital region, and it will require persistence. From the leadership’s side, we are focused on this challenge, and I believe we can succeed,” he says.

“It will require hospital management to make sharp priorities. At the same time, we’re moving toward a model where, out of respect for patients’ time, we increasingly drop unnecessary check-ups or replace physical visits with video consultations. That way, we use doctors’ time more wisely—and that’s necessary when we’re limiting new hires,” he adds.

The agreement on the doctor cap was reached in May 2025 as part of a spring accord between the government and Danish Regions. The goal is to improve doctor coverage at hospitals struggling with recruitment. The Capital Region has recalculated the cap based on its own data and uses its payroll system for daily monitoring. The qualified hiring freeze will be evaluated in early 2026.

:NB: