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On 25 August 2025, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider visited the University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB). The visit focused on the particular challenges faced by paediatric hospitals and the importance of child-friendly care in the Swiss healthcare system.
Accompanied by Lukas Engelberger, Cantonal Councillor and Director of Health of the Canton of Basel-Stadt, and Marc-André Giger, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UKBB, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider gained a wide range of insights into the work of the children's hospital. She visited various departments, including neonatology, the polyclinic and radiology, and engaged in intensive dialogue with specialist staff, representatives of the hospital and parents of patients.
It became particularly clear how much care, communication and interdisciplinary collaboration are necessary to provide children with a safe and nurturing environment. However, according to AllKids, the association of Swiss children's hospitals, of which UKBB is one of the founders, the special requirements of paediatric medicine and the associated increased costs are not sufficiently taken into account in the current tariff system.
In addition, the Federal Councillor learned in direct talks how UKBB is meeting the challenges of the shortage of paediatric specialists. One focus was on the opportunities offered by intercantonal cooperation - in particular the example of the collaboration with Aarau Cantonal Hospital.
In an informal round of talks with nursing staff and doctors, Elisabeth Baume-Schneider was also able to gain a personal impression of the everyday lives and challenges of employees. This also gave employees the opportunity to express their wishes and concerns to politicians.
Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider:
«The UKBB impressively demonstrates how much commitment and expertise is required to provide children and their families with high-quality medical care. I will take many impressions back to Bern with me.»
Government Councillor Lukas Engelberger:
«The visit underlines the importance of paediatric medicine for the entire region. We would like to thank the Federal Councillor for her open ear.»
Marc-André Giger, Chairman of the Board of Directors UKBB:
«Collaboration is the magic word for preventing a shortage of specialists and ensuring the best possible quality of care. Our extensive collaborations with the Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), the Hôpital du Valais (HVS), the Kantonsspital Aarau (KSA) and the Inselspital already show how expertise can be pooled and patients can be cared for close to home.»
The Medgate Kids Line provides quick and uncomplicated medical advice if your child is unwell. The medical team of our partner Medgate is available to you by telephone around the clock.
For emergencies abroad: Call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find this number on your health insurance card.
More information: On the Page of the emergency ward you will find everything you need to know about behaviour in emergencies, typical childhood illnesses and waiting times.
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