Financial year 2024: More treatments, unsatisfactory result

The main reasons for the negative result are the structural underfunding in the outpatient area and the increased inpatient costs due to inflation and necessary staff adjustments. These factors have led to a deficit in both of the hospital's main medical areas.

In 2024, UKBB recorded a significant increase in the number of inpatients compared to the previous year, although this resulted in fewer case-mix points. A total of 6,425 discharges were registered, of which 1,303 were under 24 hours (+ 6.7%). The increase in short stays for less complex cases is reflected in the inpatient services provided. These fell in DRG points (case mix) by -1.4% to 7,189 points. This means that although UKBB treated more inpatients, it received less compensation for these than in the previous year. The number of outpatients rose by 4.8% and totalled 118,694 visits.

Everything undertaken for a better result

In order to improve the result, UKBB worked intensively in 2024 to reduce costs and improve income. Marco Fischer, Chairman of the Executive Board, recalls UKBB's long-standing efforts: «Over the past twelve years, the measures taken have contributed CHF 30 million to improving the operating result,» he writes in his editorial for the Annual Report 2024. And he emphasises: «The negative operating results should not obscure the fact that the UKBB employees have once again done an outstanding job this year.» In 2024, national measurements of the quality of care in Swiss hospitals once again gave UKBB top marks.

In strategic and organisational terms, Chairman of the Board of Directors Marc-André Giger believes that UKBB is on course in a difficult business environment. Based on a review carried out by independent experts, he states: «The Strategy 2022++ is still highly relevant, financial management is correct and the management bodies are adequately staffed.» The review also confirms that UKBB is utilising its financial and human resources efficiently. The Board of Directors and the Executive Board will address the areas of action identified in the coming months and years. Intensive discussions are already being held with the representatives of the health departments of the sponsoring cantons and the lending banks in order to strengthen UKBB's financial basis in the long term.

Significant medical advances

Despite the financial challenges in 2024, UKBB made significant progress in medical care and research - in particular through innovation, digitalisation, process optimisation and expanded partnerships. It was impressive to see how lean projects in the inpatient area were able to give medical and nursing staff more time to care for children. The University Centre for Rare Diseases at UKBB and University Hospital Basel (USB) achieved national accreditation in several important areas. In addition, a new focus in the field of craniofacial surgery with national and international appeal was developed.

In his editorial, Prof. Urs Frey is also pleased about a successful year in the academic and clinical promotion of young talent: «Ten senior physicians were able to complete their habilitation at the university in various paediatric and paediatric surgical specialties. This demonstrates the attractiveness of the University Children's Hospital Basel for excellent specialists.»

Overall, despite the difficult financial conditions, UKBB remains committed to ensuring a high quality of care and further consolidating its position as the university paediatric tertiary care hospital in Northwestern Switzerland. The outlook for 2025 remains challenging, but UKBB is determined to continue to provide excellent medical services and ensure financial stability.

Further details and statistics on the 2024 financial year can be found in the Annual Report 2024. For queries and further information, media representatives should contact the Media centre of the UKBB.