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Example of an ecologically sustainable rehabilitation clinic

Publikationsdatum: 2. April 2025
Letzte Änderung: 3. April, 2025

This rehabilitation clinic in Central Switzerland with around 720 staff offers medical and nursing services, including post-operative rehabilitation and orthopaedic care. The clinic has already invested in the infrastructure of its buildings, for example by installing solar panels. In future, the clinic plans to further expand its sustainability strategy by further optimising energy consumption and considering social sustainability goals.

Goal 1

We will reduce the absence rate of our nursing staff to 2% by 2026.

Measures

  • Introduce annual training courses on stress management and burnout prevention for the high emotional and physical demands of day-to-day care work, including resilience training, stress management techniques and access to psychological counselling.
  • Implement individual workplace analyses, corresponding ergonomics workshops and annual training courses on correct lifting techniques.
  • Introduce flexible working time models such as shift rotations or part-time work to reduce physical and mental stress.
  • Revise the absence management system to constructively analyse causes and develop preventive measures to reduce stress and strain.

Goal 2

We will reduce the tCO2eq emissions of our catering operations by 20% by 2026.

Measures

  • Introduce at least three additional vegetarian or vegan dishes per week.
  • Implement water carafes and provide reusable bottles for staff and patients to reduce the use of disposable plastic.
  • Dispense with trays when serving food to reduce energy and dishwater consumption and to encourage conscious consumption of food and minimise food waste.
  • Work with regional organic suppliers to gradually increase the purchase of organic and seasonal food with short delivery routes.

Goal 3

By 2026, we will reduce the resource consumption of inpatient stays by 15% by optimising the length of stay in our rehabilitation and care facilities, as well as the use of telemedicine and care plans.

Measures

  • Optimise stay times and care plans to reduce energy and resource consumption while maintaining the same quality of care through increased use of digital technologies.
  • Introduce a holistic and customisable telemedicine support programme that enables patients to return to their home environment earlier, while continuing to be supported by digital professional care. This reduces the need for inpatient resources and simultaneously supports patients in their familiar surroundings.
  • Establish cooperation with GP practices, outpatient care services and hospitals to ensure sustainable and continuous care after discharge. This promotes the social integration of patients and reduces pressure on the healthcare system through decentralised care.
  • Work with a reasearch group for medical informatics to implement a digital patient file that is maintained by all treatment centres. Start a collaboration project with the neighbouring hospitals that refer patients to the rehabilitation clinic. The centralised recording and direct transfer of patient data avoids duplicate examinations, making the treatment process more efficient and reducing unnecessary stress for patients and the environment.

Goal 4

By 2026, we will increase the proportion of people with lower household incomes, of foreign nationality or with chronic illnesses requiring treatment by 20% and ensure that they have access to the necessary healthcare services.

Measures

  • Establish formal cooperation agreements with hospitals and GP surgeries as well as charities, social services and community centres that specialise in referrals for disadvantaged groups to ensure seamless referral and care.
  • Organise annual training courses for staff in the partner institutions to raise their awareness of the needs and challenges of affected persons and strengthen their ability to effectively address and engage with them.
  • Provide all information materials forms and health resources in the relevant languages and implement an AI-supported translation and support tool for staff, enabling real-time translation and language assistance.
  • Establish an internal specialised counselling centre and conduct annual in-house training to train staff in cultural sensitivity, communication techniques and social support to optimise access to healthcare services for disadvantaged patients.

Further options

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