In November, 1993 the UN opened a Norwegian field hospital in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The hospital was handed over to the American IFOR forces in November, 1996. In the present study, we analyse the activities at the hospital and the results achieved by the Norwegian management. While under Norwegian supervision 2,593 patients were admitted, and 67% of them were civilians. Almost two thirds of military personnel admitted were non-surgical cases. The war-related surgical activity was low, corresponding to the low number of war-related injuries. In the period in question 135 emergency operations were performed on military persons. There was considerable out-patient activity at the hospital, covering both military personnel and civilians. Altogether, 12,921 out-patients were treated, 40% of which were civilians. The hospital was well-equipped and well-run. This experience will be helpful in planning future Norwegian task forces abroad.
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Comment In: Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 1998 Jan 10;118(1):1019481922