International Volunteer Day

Nursing expertise plays a central role in delivering high-quality, safe and forward-looking healthcare. But what does the term ‘nursing expertise’ actually mean, what tasks do nursing experts undertake in day-to-day hospital life, and how do patients benefit from their work? In this interview, Kathrin Hillewerth provides insights into the importance of evidence-based nursing, the transfer of knowledge between research and practice, and the further development of innovative care models. She explains how nursing expertise helps to continuously improve the quality of care and address the challenges of an increasingly complex healthcare system.

When Klara Sternenstaub and Ina Schnusel wander through the corridors of Zollikerberg Hospital, they bring more with them than just music, magic and red noses. As visiting clowns, they give patients moments of laughter, connection and respite – right in the midst of what is often a stressful hospital routine. With great sensitivity, they interact with people in very different life situations, experiencing touching, and sometimes quiet, moments that linger long afterwards. In this interview, they explain how they came to do this special work, what they have learnt about people through it, and why a brief moment of light-heartedness can sometimes make such a difference.

Just over three months ago, Zollikerberg Hospital opened its new premises in the Haus zum Falken building at Stadelhofen station. Since then, the Zurich Women’s Emergency Clinic, Zurich Plastic Surgery and the Zollikerberg Breast Centre have been operating under one roof – in a building designed by Santiago Calatrava in the heart of Zurich. The aim of the new site was to bring established medical services together under one roof, to further strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and to offer patients modern, easily accessible outpatient care. Three months after the launch, those in charge are taking stock of the situation.