Contributions around the world of medicine

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.

Neonatology deals with the medical care of premature babies and unwell newborns who require special support. At the Department of Neonatology at Zollikerberg Hospital, premature babies from the 32nd week of gestation (wgs) are cared for. A wide range of specialised equipment is used in this care. It helps to stabilise vital functions, support development and give these little patients the best possible start in life.

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.

A brief bout of dizziness when standing up, light-headedness on a hot summer’s day or a sudden feeling of unsteadiness whilst walking – dizziness can take many forms and often leaves those affected feeling unsettled. Whilst heat or dehydration are often harmless triggers, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders or other internal medical causes may also be to blame. Find out when dizziness is harmless, which warning signs you should take seriously and how we can help you with the diagnosis.

Interview with Dr Gabriela Buck, FMH-certified specialist in General Internal Medicine

For many people, the summer holidays are just around the corner. Whether it’s relaxing by the sea, a city break or active days in the mountains – good preparation helps ensure you can enjoy your holidays without a care in the world. As well as travel documents and luggage, you shouldn’t forget your first-aid kit. With the right medicines and aids, minor ailments can often be treated quickly. We answer five common questions about first-aid kits and explain what you should bear in mind when putting one together.

They take blood pressure readings, make beds, clean work surfaces, chop vegetables, prepare for examinations, keep records, provide support, ask questions and help shape the healthcare landscape in Zollikerberg on a daily basis.

Having a say or merely having a voice? Involved or simply ‘consulted’? Hardly anyone has anything against participation – especially in the healthcare sector, where, as is well known, patients take centre stage. And yet it is often difficult to truly live up to the expectation of participation. Why is that? What approaches to genuine participation exist, and what do they entail? And which successful models from abroad could inspire Switzerland, so that patient involvement becomes the norm here too?

Menstrual pain is one of the most common complaints associated with the female cycle. For many women, it is recurrent and can significantly impair their quality of life. In our TCM practice at Zollikerberg Hospital, we do not regard period pain as a uniform clinical picture, but rather as an expression of various functional imbalances in the body. At the centre of this is the question of why the free flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood is disturbed. The treatment is therefore not only focussed on the symptom of pain, but also on the underlying constellation.