A widespread nurse strike in Sweden has led to the cancellation of dozens of non-emergency surgeries in Stockholm, as 63,000 members of the Swedish Nursing Association initiate an overtime blockade across the country's regions.

The conflict, spurred by demands for shorter working hours, sustainable schedules, increased vacation time, and higher wages, has plunged negotiations with the employer, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, into a deadlock.

Despite the ongoing dispute, an agreement has been reached in Västernorrland Region to exempt certain healthcare operations from the blockade, aiming to mitigate the impact on patient care.

However, the prolonged conflict threatens to exacerbate waiting times for surgeries and follow-up appointments, causing potential suffering for patients in need.