The integrated care of the Gesundheitscampus Simme Saane with a hospital in Zweisimmen is an achievable goal that can be achieved through further discussions with all partners (Spital STS AG, Spitexverein Saane-Simme, Genossenschaft Maternité Alpine and the Health, Social and Integration Directorate of the Canton of Bern), writes Gesundheit Simme Saane AG (GSS) in a press release. At the upcoming municipal assemblies, GSS will consult the population of the municipalities in Obersimmental and Saanenland on whether the Gesundheitscampus Simme Saane with a hospital in Zweisimmen should be developed in depth and submitted to a binding referendum by the end of 2022.

Should the majority of the municipalities oppose the detailed project Gesundheitscampus Simme Saane with a hospital in Zweisimmen, the GSS will implement an integrated care system with an outpatient health centre and no inpatient care.

Gesundheitscampus Simme Saane
Gesundheitscampus Simme Saane should be understood as an organisational and possibly legal combination of the future hospital Simme Saane, the existing Alterswohnen AG, the Spitexverein Saane-Simme and the Maternité Alpine cooperative. “Outpatient medical centres are only to be founded on a subsidiary basis, i.e. if there won’t be sufficient offer in basic medical care by private providers.” Hospital care close to home with a 24/7 emergency admission, 365 days a year for the population and guests from Switzerland and abroad, would thus continue to be provided.

Municipalities contribute to the deficit
The municipalities contribute financially to the deficit of the Gesundheitscampus Simme Saane. Therefore, the municipalities are to take on the role of a steering committee in the future and help determine the long-term strategic orientation of Zweisimmen Hospital and integrated care. The GSS would be in charge of the strategic management of the individual units on behalf of the municipalities.

Support from the Bergregion Obersimmental-Saanenland
The Bergregion Obersimmental-Saanenland, composed of the chairmen of the municipal councils, supports the Gesundheitscampus Simme Saane with a hospital in Zweisimmen.

The integrated care of the Gesundheitscampus Simme Saane with a hospital in Zweisimmen would strengthen regional trade, increase the attractiveness of the region and create added value for locals and the tourism industry, they say. “The Zweisimmen hospital is an important employer in the region that must be maintained and supported.”

Based on AvS/Anita Moser