Welcome back. The first employees are starting to trickle back into agencies and marketing and communications departments. So everyday life in the industry could start again. Could. Because the first few days after the summer vacations usually consist of getting an overview, deleting emails with missed deadlines and exchanging all kinds of detailed vacation and travel reports.

In short: it's everyday life after the summer vacations. A situation beautifully described at the beginning of the book 39.90 (original title: 99 Francs) by Frédéric Beigbeder. The author had used his experiences from his first day of work as an advertiser at Young & Rubicam in Paris after the summer vacation (which in France, it should be noted, is only the beginning of September) to start a shallow novel. After an endless summer break (grandes vacances), there was no work to be thought of for the first few days, which really surprised the newcomer. Although the book is not exactly required reading for young advertisers, it is still worth reading more than 20 years after it was first published. Perhaps during the next summer vacation.

The charming sister of asap

Summer vacations are an organizational challenge. Not only in France, Italy or Spain, where long summer vacations are a tradition. Even in busy Switzerland, the summer vacations are getting longer and longer. It has become a Herculean task to place a project or order on time during the school vacations, which are staggered across the cantons. Before the vacations, everything is shunted off to the agencies in the feigned ignorance that no one will be working there either. And if the agency doesn't have a query for the client, an absence report is usually sent just one minute after the order has been sent. In 2024, the rate of such absence reports was a perceived 80 percent and the few people who still had to cope with everyday work were completely under water for the last few weeks. It's no wonder that this new acronym emerged in dialog between those who stayed at home and those who stayed at work: ETA. It sounds like a cry for solidarity and commitment. But what does it mean?

This does not refer to the separatist Basque nationalist underground organization, which has long terrified the vacation destination of Spain with its attacks. ETA stands for Estimated Time of Arrival. And that sounds a bit like a vacation, even for those at home. "Do you already have an ETA for me?" There could hardly be a more charming request as to when the long overdue work that was expected before the summer will finally be delivered.

A real blessing, since nobody took "asap" seriously any more. And, it should be noted, it always had a slightly aggressive undertone. The consequence of this over the years was that the "s" in "soon" was usually never made possible. It's more difficult with the charming question about ETA. ETA literally means "estimated time of arrival". The acronym comes from logistics, transportation and aviation. ETA is an indication of the time at which an aircraft, vehicle or delivery item is expected to arrive at its destination. With online trading, the term has also found its way into the offices of customers. Instead of: Deadline asap. Is it now: when do you think the ETA is? This doesn't make getting back to work after the vacations any easier, but at least it's more charming.

Felix Schmidt has 13 years of experience in technology and digital marketing. Most recently, Schmidt was Country Manager DACH at the partner management platform Impact.com. Prior to that, he was Head of Key Account Management at Webgears.

In his new role, he is to support the expansion efforts of Epsilon as detailed in a press release. He will also focus on establishing the Epsilon name as the leading technology for brands that want to increase their visibility and performance across all channels. Important components of this strategy will be the expansion of Epsilon's CoreID, a technology for unified customer identities in personalized marketing, as well as the exploitation of the full potential of the all-in-one personalization solution Yieldify.

"The diverse agency landscape within Publicis Groupe is a decisive advantage over competitors, both in the media and technology sectors," explains Felix Schmidt. "Products like Core-ID, smart acquisitions like Yieldify and innovative platforms like Unlimitail underline the importance of technology ecosystems for advertisers compared to today's fragmented tech stacks."

Medical disposables - from gloves and blood bags to surgical equipment - generate enormous amounts of waste these days. At best, this waste is incinerated, but in many countries it ends up in landfills and can also end up in the environment. The COVID pandemic has contributed to an avalanche-like increase in the use of disposables. It is estimated that in 2022, used face masks alone will weigh around 2,641 tons per day worldwide - a huge mountain of plastic.

Thermochemical recycling as a solution

Medical waste is often overlooked in the discussion about the circular economy. Disposable medical items are usually made of various plastics that cannot be recycled with current technology. In addition, the items are considered contaminated after use and therefore need to be handled in a way that avoids the risk of spreading potential infections. It is also not possible to use recycled plastic in the manufacture of disposable healthcare items, as the requirements for the purity and quality of materials for medical use are very high.

All of these problems can be solved with the new method developed by Chalmers researchers. The technology is called "thermochemical recycling" and is based on a process called "steam cracking". The waste is broken down by mixing it with sand at temperatures of up to 800 degrees Celsius. The plastic molecules are then broken down and converted into a gas that contains building blocks for new plastic. "You can compare it to a thermal sledgehammer that smashes the molecules and destroys bacteria and other microorganisms at the same time," says Martin Seemann, Associate Professor at the Chalmers Division of Energy Technology. "What remains are various types of carbon and hydrocarbon compounds. These can then be separated and used in the petrochemical industry to replace fossil fuels currently used in production."

Great potential for saving valuable chemicals

To test the technology in practice, the researchers carried out two different projects in parallel in a test facility at Chalmers Power Central. In the first project, a number of different product types, such as face masks and plastic gloves, were subjected to the process. In the second project, a mixture was created that represented the average composition of hospital waste from the region's hospitals. The mixture contained around ten different plastic materials as well as cellulose.

The results of both projects were consistently positive, demonstrating the great potential of the technology. One of the projects was led by Judith González-Arias, who now works at the University of Seville in Spain. "What makes this technology so exciting is its ability to tackle the environmental problems we associate with disposable medical products. Thermochemical recycling not only addresses the problem of medical waste not being recycled today, but also enables the recovery of valuable carbon atoms. This is fully in line with the principles of the circular economy and offers a sustainable solution to the urgent problem of medical waste disposal," says Judith González-Arias.

The only option for products with strict requirements

Many manufacturers of materials for the healthcare sector are now very interested in creating a circular model in which products can be recycled and reused in a closed loop. However, materials to be used in sterile healthcare items have strict purity and quality requirements that basically cannot be met with sorting and mechanical recycling of plastics. With thermochemical recycling, however, it would be possible.

"It's really the only way to return this type of waste to the cycle," says Martin Seemann. "It's so elegant that the chemical industry can turn the material back into new material after it has been broken down to the molecular level." And he sees even more potential: "The same strict requirements for purity and quality actually also apply to food packaging. For this reason, most of the plastic collected from packaging is currently incinerated or recycled into items for which a lower quality is permitted."

The two projects build on Chalmers' previous research, which has shown how mixed plastic waste can be converted into raw material for new plastic products of the highest possible quality.

The technology works, but other factors also come into play

In order to spread the method, new material flows and functioning business models need to be developed in cooperation between the health and recycling sectors. Laws and regulations may also need to be changed at various levels in order for thermochemical recycling to become established in society. "Certain policy decisions would increase the value of plastic waste as a raw material for industry and increase the chances of creating viable circular business models around this type of recycling. For example, an obligation to capture carbon dioxide when incinerating plastics would create incentives to invest in more energy-efficient alternative technologies like ours instead," says Martin Seemann.

In many countries, the technical requirements for recycling medical waste and other mixed plastic waste through steam cracking are in place. However, the regulations and structural conditions vary, which determines how the players in waste management, the chemical industry and product manufacturing must work together to create functioning value chains in different parts of the world.

Source: Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/wie-der-plastikberg-im-gesundheitswesen-rezykliert-werden-koennte/

In July, it was announced that Stewo would be relocating and reorganizing its production and logistics by the end of March 2025. The company did not communicate the exact extent of the job cuts at the time.

At the end of July, Stewo confirmed at the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency a report by SRF's regional journal Zentralschweiz that 37 people were affected. According to the letter from the management, "intensive work is being done on individual solutions to place them in new employment until their departure in March 2025".

"Economically unsustainable"

Stewo justified the reorganization with the strong Swiss franc, competitive price pressure and high energy and raw material prices. The export conditions had become "economically unbearable", according to the letter.

From April 2025, logistics will be based at the Heilbronn site in Germany, the Stewo management explained further. For production, the company will work with existing partners in Europe and Asia in future.

The marketing, sales, purchasing and administration departments will therefore remain in the Wolhusen area, the letter continued. Stewo, the only Swiss gift wrap manufacturer, has been owned by the German company Baier & Schneider GmbH & Co. (SDA)

Of quota women and old white men

Put an end to prejudices in the world of work.

• Author: Annahita Esmailzadeh
• Publisher: Campus Verlag, 2023
• Pages: 240
• ISBN: 9783593517551

Old white men at the top of the company, unqualified quota women - many people are still confronted with these and similar prejudices in the world of work. However, Annahita Esmailzadeh vividly shows in her book that such clichés and role models not only harm individual careers, but also companies. As a woman from a migrant background who works in the tech industry, she knows the consequences of such stereotyping. However, her advice on how to combat prejudice unfortunately remains very vague. Nevertheless, an enlightening read.

Out of the AUTOcracy

Into the mobility of tomorrow!

• Author: Katja Diehl
• Publisher: Fischer Taschenbuch Verlag, 2024
• Pages: 272
• ISBN: 9783103975772

Driving a car is the basic attitude towards mobility in Germany. According to Katja Diehl, this is the reason why the transport revolution in this country simply won't get off the ground. In her book, she gathers the voices of numerous experts, derives causes and suggestions for change and presents numerous alternative mobility concepts and initiatives for new forms of mobility. After reading the book, one thing is crystal clear: the transport revolution begins in the mind. An enlightening book for anyone who wants to know what needs to be done for alternative mobility.

Cheer up!

Mentally healthy and strong in challenging times.

• Author: Volker Busch
• Publisher: Droemer, 2024
• Pages: 352
• ISBN: 9783426279168

Limitarianism

Why wealth must be limited.

• Author: Ingrid Robeyns
• Publisher: S. Fischer Verlag, 2024
• Pages: 377
• ISBN: 9783103971620

Can you be "too rich"? Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk would probably disagree - but could they claim that they actually "need" their billions without blushing? For economist and philosopher Ingrid Robeyns, too much money in too few hands is a real problem, creating social tensions and dangerous power imbalances. This is why she came up with the concept of "limitarianism". It is about taxing the super-rich appropriately and avoiding extreme wealth. An exciting, highly topical philosophical approach.

Blum-Novotest GmbH, based in Grünkraut near Ravensburg (Germany), is a global technology and innovation leader in measurement and testing technology. The company describes itself as a reliable partner to the global machine tool, automotive and aerospace industries. The company will be presenting its FormControl X software at the upcoming major industrial trade fairs AMB Stuttgart, IMTS Chicago and JIMTOF Tokyo. With this measuring and automation software, users can create complex measuring programs in a self-explanatory manner and automate machining processes by implementing closed control loops. But what else is the company interested in? Alexander Blum (AB) and Wolfgang Reiser (WR) provide the answers.

Mr. Blum, what changes do you see in the global production landscape?

AB: For some years now, we have been observing a clear trend towards five large blocs, which are formed around North America, Europe, Russia, India and China. Each of these blocks sees the need to have certain key industries in its own hands, including aerospace and defense, energy, semiconductors and medicine. Within the blocks there are highly productive production clusters, but also areas where simpler processes are automated. This relocation of production processes to the peripheral areas is a driver for automation, which is positive for us, because measuring in the process is a prerequisite for a lot of automation.

How is BLUM positioning itself for this changed world?

AB: We are installing Blum-Novotest Competence Centers (BNCC) in the USA, India and China. For Europe, our headquarters in Grünkraut is of course the Competence Center. These BNCCs are equipped with extended functions and competencies, such as local repair facilities or employees who carry out software adaptations for customer-specific processes or developments for local control systems. Product management is also being set up locally in order to reflect the requirements of the regions to us in Grünkraut. This enables us to better understand local markets and their requirements and supply them with suitable products and solutions. This gives local customers the security of receiving support even faster and with comprehensive expertise. The functional scope and size of this BNCC will continue to grow. This also changes our self-image - from "Made in Germany" to "Made by Blum-Novotest", as we have been doing for years. We are now an international company with employees at eye level in more than 20 countries.

The Competence Centers are of strategic importance for the emerging markets in particular. On the one hand, this brings more expertise directly to the local markets, and on the other hand, the local markets have the opportunity to exert more influence on future developments via the product managers. This involves, for example, control systems that are widely used locally or adaptations and localizations in the user interface.

How are these developments reflected in BLUM products?

AB: We are constantly developing, and the high-end is increasingly being joined by an entry-level offering. However, this is not inferior, it is just simpler in some areas, for example by only providing the most important range of functions.

We will soon be introducing new products such as our Z-Nano LT+. This is a tool probe for tool length measurement and breakage detection, which will primarily appeal to customers who want to get into contact tool measurement. In addition, there are existing products that fit well into these simpler process scenarios, such as our ZX-Speed series. Thanks to a multidirectional measuring mechanism, this probe can also perform radius measurements with a rotating tool by rotating the tool against the cutting direction as it touches the measuring disk. However, industry solutions such as laser measuring systems for drill-tap applications and simple machine concepts also open up the benefits of non-contact tool measurement technology to users in the entry-level sector.

At the same time, customers are also becoming more demanding ...

WR: The requirements of high-end customers continue to increase. Until recently, 5µ accuracy was sufficient, but now we are talking about 1µ and below. It is no longer just tool lengths and diameters that need to be measured, but entire cutting edge contours of circular segment cutters, for example. The result should then be visualized.

With LC-VISION, BLUM has an intuitive measuring software for the laser measuring systems in its portfolio ...

WR: With LC-VISION, not only can entire measurement sequences be visualized and evaluated, but a variety of measurement tasks can also be generated on the control screen without NC programming knowledge. Wear can be measured precisely and tools can be used up to the wear limit. The user can also analyze the progression of wear and compare tools from different manufacturers, for example. Last but not least, our DIGILOG technology produces high-quality data that is ideal for further processing using artificial intelligence.

In networked environments, the measured values can also move with the tool thanks to LC-VISION. Tools can be exchanged between machines and the new machine knows the last measurement and wear values of the tool directly. Monitoring tool wear - together with consistent use until the end of wear - offers enormous savings potential.

The flexibilization of production also means that many different workpieces need to be processed one after the other - automatically and without compromising on quality, of course. When a robot inserts the parts, the position must be measured after insertion and the processing adjusted. Success is checked after processing.

What solutions do you offer for this?

WR: Our FormControl X measuring and automation software is now available for these tasks. With FormControl X, users can create complex measurement programs in a self-explanatory way, automate machining processes by implementing closed control loops and make the measurement results usable in the sense of Industry 4.0. This makes manufacturing processes more transparent and faster, and optimizes the quality and manufacturing costs of the finished workpieces. This is not possible with a measurement in the measuring room alone, or is a major blind flight, as production continues until the measurement is taken in the measuring room and, in the worst case, only then is a deviation detected.

Let's take a look into the future: where are developments in measurement technology heading?

WR: I firmly believe in self-optimizing processes. Today, we often have the problem that the cutting tools are not manufactured as precisely as would be necessary to achieve the desired precision. If the machine measures the tools before machining, it can compensate for these deviations, as well as for wear. This is already possible today, but I believe we are moving faster and faster in this direction. The machines optimize themselves and relieve the burden on competent operators, who no longer have to worry about many things themselves.

More information: Blum-Novotest GmbH

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/automatisierte-prozesse-sind-stabile-prozesse/

Time and again, publications discuss the major threat to cyber security posed by employees. In particular, the focus is on disgruntled, bribed or angry former employees who have had data stolen. Human error is also regularly identified as another crucial and dangerous factor for cyber security. They can lead to serious security incidents resulting from carelessness within the workforce. Regular data security training for teams is therefore standard in most companies today, as is support from a modern IT security infrastructure. But how high do company managers actually consider the risk from within to be?

The cyber security service provider Sophos commissioned the market research institute Ipsos to survey representatives from C-level management (and explicitly not IT managers) in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on this question. Overall, the results show that managers in the three countries have a high level of trust in their workforces, both across industries and across smaller and larger companies.

Austria places great trust in its employees

Significantly more than half (64% in total) and remarkably more than in neighboring countries, Austrian managers rated the risk posed by their teams as very low (34%) or low (30%). Austrian retailers in particular have great confidence in their employees - as many as 62.5% of respondents believe that employees pose no risk. In general, it is also clear that it is the larger companies (200 employees or more) that rely on the safety awareness of their employees (46.2%). In the neighboring country, only 2 percent rate the danger from within as high; unlike in Germany and Switzerland, no one thinks it is very high.

Germany is generally confident

In Germany, too, more than half (56.7% in total) of the managers surveyed say that they consider the risk of security incidents triggered by employees to be very low (25.9%) or low (30.8%). A total of 26.9% see a medium risk, with even more caution among the representatives from retail companies surveyed, 35.5% of whom assume a medium risk. In Germany, only 1.5% of bosses consider the possibility of security incidents by employees to be particularly high.

For Switzerland: trust is good, caution makes sense

Swiss company managers are slightly less optimistic than their counterparts in neighboring countries when it comes to the level of cybersecurity awareness among the workforce. Here, slightly less than half of respondents (48% in total) believe that the risk from within is very low or low (24% in each case). Management in the manufacturing sector are particularly confident in this regard, with 42.1% of them describing the insider threat as very low. In Switzerland, 32% of those surveyed believe that the risk is medium, while only 2% of respondents in Switzerland rate it as very high.

Source: Sophos

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/cyber-gefahr-von-innen-nicht-bei-uns/

As the new Main Partner of REDFC the discounter Denner is bringing a breath of fresh air to Swiss football. From now on, fans of the Promotion League, 1st League Classic and 2nd League Interregional can experience their favorite teams even more intensively live - thanks to the various stream integrations on REDFC.

With this partnership, Denner is underlining its commitment to local sport and demonstrating once again that you can not only shop at Denner at a good price, but also share a passion for football.

Stephan Wullschleger, Chief Commercial Officer of Ringier Sports, is delighted with the new partner: "Denner is the perfect addition to REDFC. Together, we want to share the enthusiasm for football throughout Switzerland."

Adrian Bodmer, Denner CEO a.i., adds: "This partnership is a perfect fit for us. REDFC is simple, close and inexpensive - just like shopping at Denner."

The return of push-button cell phones is not a passing trend, but an integral part of the current consumer landscape. While smartphones are becoming increasingly complex, many consumers are longing for simpler, less complicated technology. The so-called "digital detox" is gaining in importance. Push-button phones offer a welcome break from the constant stream of notifications and make it possible to consciously switch off from everyday digital life.

One of the greatest strengths of push-button cell phones is their battery life. For many users, a long battery life is a priority, especially when they are on the move and do not want to be constantly dependent on a power outlet. Push-button cell phones are also suitable as first cell phones for children and teenagers. They offer the opportunity to stay in contact with others without the risk of being completely immersed in the digital world. In addition, push-button phones are generally more robust and cheaper than smartphones, which makes them an attractive option for people who don't need to constantly protect their cell phone or are looking for a device that won't break easily.

While one might initially assume that push-button cell phones are mainly bought by older people, the data from Galaxus and Digitec show a more differentiated picture. Although the older generation is indeed an important customer group, younger people also make up a considerable proportion of buyers. Push-button cell phones are particularly popular with teenagers and young adults who value simplicity, durability and a break from everyday digital life.

The increasing demand for push-button cell phones has also brought manufacturers onto the scene. They are responding to the needs of consumers and developing new models that meet the requirements of the older generation as well as the wishes of the younger target group. Great emphasis is placed on intuitive operation, a long battery life and an appealing design.

The success of push-button cell phones shows that there is still a market for simple and uncomplicated technology, even in times of digital transformation. The return of the push-button cell phone is more than just a nostalgic trend, but a sign of a growing desire to slow down and use digital devices more consciously. For advertisers and marketers, this trend offers new opportunities to reach their target groups with tailored messages that focus on simplicity.

The multi-part series is aimed at start-ups at all stages and offers comprehensive insights into the challenges and opportunities of founding a company. Experts from law, business and the startup scene share their knowledge and experience. The first session will focus on the importance of intellectual property (IP) for the success of start-ups.

The core topics of the first session are the legal foundations of intellectual property, practical examples from the startup scene and the importance of IP for investors. The Founders Academy offers start-ups a platform for exchange and further training. The SSA actively supports the Swiss startup scene by imparting specialist knowledge and creating networking opportunities. The Swiss Startup Association is the leading representative of the Swiss startup scene and is committed to improving the framework conditions for startups.

For two decades, the Baloise Sessionfamous for its concerts with world stars in a unique club table atmosphere, treats its guests to delicious ice cream from Gelati Gasparini. This successful collaboration, which is based on quality, innovation and passion, is now being continued.

Beatrice StirnimannCEO of the Baloise Session, comments: "The 20-year collaboration between the Baloise Session and Gelati Gasparini is proof of the power of a successful partnership. The combination of great music and delicious ice cream makes our artists, our visitors and, of course, our crew happy."

Marc Schaller of Gelati Gasparini adds: "We are honored to be part of this international boutique music festival and to treat all attendees to our artisanal ice creams. Music lovers and foodies can continue to look forward to the sweet combination of music and ice cream."

The Baloise Session has been enchanting visitors with top national and international stars every fall for 39 years. The intimate setting with only 1,550 spectators, the special club table seating with candlelight and the proximity to the stars offer an incomparable musical experience. The next edition will take place from October 17 to November 8, 2024 in the Event Hall at Messe Basel. This year's program will be announced on 21 August.

Gelati Gasparini is a Swiss ice cream manufacturer based in Münchenstein, Basel-Landschaft. Using traditional craftsmanship, they produce ice cream products for immediate and home consumption as well as for the catering trade in a wide variety of flavors. As part of the association gaw - Gesellschaft für Arbeit und Wohnen, the manufactory offers people with mental disabilities a supportive and varied working environment.

This year's study "Swiss hospitals: This is how healthy their finances were in 2023" by PwC Switzerland speaks plainly: the financial situation of Swiss hospitals is alarming. Some cantons have already taken out rescue packages, and others are likely to follow. This raises the question of which facilities are still necessary and sustainable and which are not. The planned packages are likely to cost Swiss taxpayers over CHF 1 billion a year in view of the gaps and the support already provided, the study calculates. The study was conducted in July 2024 on the basis of the published annual accounts of 44 acute hospitals and 12 psychiatric clinics. In order to reflect the reality in practice, the study contains excursuses on various key topics and three interviews on best practice with renowned industry personalities.

Existential threat to acute care

According to PwC, the financial year 2023 shows worrying health figures for acute hospitals: eroding margins, falling liquidity, declining equity ratios. As tariff adjustments did not keep pace with inflation, the median EBITDAR margin shrank to a worrying 3.6 %, which is significantly below the industry target of 10 % defined by PwC and also marks the lowest level since the introduction of the SwissDRG tariff system in 2012.

In 2023, even more hospitals will be making losses than in the previous year. In view of the current financial results, hardly any of the study hospitals could survive on their own financial strength in the long term. This presents the cantons, as planners of healthcare provision, with difficult decisions with far-reaching consequences for the Swiss healthcare system. Patrick Schwendener, Head of Healthcare Deals at PwC Switzerland, comments: "Although many hospitals and their owners are aiming for an EBITDAR margin of 8 % to 10 %, they are not operating profit-oriented. This attitude sends out the wrong signals and ultimately jeopardizes the existence of the facilities." 

Psychiatric clinics continue to grow

Psychiatric clinics increased their total revenue by a median of 4.8 % in 2023 to a new record high. Growth was driven by a substantial increase in inpatient and outpatient revenue. The latter increased by a median of 11.6 % compared to the previous year. The EBITDAR margin climbed to a median of 8.1 %. Accordingly, psychiatric clinics are also sufficiently liquid to meet their short-term payment obligations. High capacity utilization, the necessary investment volumes and the worsening shortage of specialists remain key challenges in this segment. 

First aid yes, but

Since the beginning of 2022, the structural adjustment of the Swiss hospital landscape has accelerated due to financial challenges and a lack of specialists. System-related consolidation makes sense, but an uncoordinated approach can distort competition and prevent sensible structural adjustments. The cantons' planned first aid measures are likely to cost Swiss taxpayers a cumulative total of over CHF 1 billion per year. Philip Sommer, Head of Healthcare Consulting at PwC Switzerland, comments on this fact as follows: "Rescue packages are not a sustainable solution. In the long term, reforms are necessary to ensure the efficiency and stability of healthcare provision."

Systemic relevance as a key criterion

As a key argument for a targeted rescue of hospitals, PwC recommends focusing on the systemic relevance of individual facilities. A facility is systemically relevant if its closure would have a fundamental impact on the healthcare region. Whether for equity or debt subsidies, guarantees, compensation for public services, takeovers or rescue companies: In the decision-making process for restructuring, the cantons must define a suitable set of instruments for each individual hospital in an objective and owner-neutral manner and communicate them openly. Stefanie Schneuwly, Senior Manager Consulting Healthcare at PwC Switzerland, explains: "Hospitals that receive financial support from the cantons must be measured against clear criteria and requirements. This should be made transparent."

Politically preventing collapse

The current crisis is structural in nature and has grown over the years. Cost pressure, labour shortages, poorly financed outpatient care, a lack of necessary investment in digital transformation or infrastructural modernization and a lack of networking of hospital structures are putting financial pressure on hospitals. In order to prevent the collapse of the high-quality Swiss healthcare system and provide incentives for integrated, networked care, PwC believes that political adjustments to the framework conditions are necessary. The regulatory authorities should create better framework conditions, for example by using the uniform financing of outpatient and inpatient services directly for the right incentives in the tariff systems, adjusting the tariff systems more quickly to the cost reality via inflation adjustments, reducing the regulatory requirements in order to promote innovative care models and focusing on quality in the long term.

Source: PwC

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/schweizer-spitaeler-rutschen-von-der-schief-in-die-notlage/