Balgrist University Hospital achieved a net result of CHF 0.2 million in the 2023 financial year (2022: CHF 2.4 million) on revenue of CHF 221 million (+1.8 % compared to 2022). The clinic was once again able to increase both the number of inpatients (+ 3 %) and the volume of outpatient services (+ 5 %), which led to a solid result overall - despite the fact that the current outpatient tariff does not cover the costs. Despite the tense financial situation in the core business, all projects and activities in the areas of teaching and research were successfully driven forward at an excellent level of quality.
The doctors, therapists and nurses at Balgrist University Hospital treated 6715 patients in the inpatient SwissDRG area (orthopaedics / rheumatology / neurourology / neurology) in 2023. This corresponds to an increase of 3 %. The length of stay of 5.7 days was 0.3 days lower than in the previous year. The number of outpatient procedures rose by 10 % to 1113. Balgrist University Hospital is thus consistently implementing the shift of surgical procedures from the inpatient to the outpatient sector as demanded by politicians. At 1.36, the average case severity of DRG treatments remains above average. Personnel and material costs rose by 8 % and CHF 15.4 million respectively. In addition to growth-related higher personnel and material requirements, the cost trend was influenced in particular by inflation and the shortage of specialist staff. The number of treatment days at the Paraplegia Center is traditionally very volatile. It decreased slightly in the reporting year.
In the new 2024 financial year, the restrictions on logistical care and inflation are likely to cause operating expenses to rise. The new inpatient tariffs negotiated with the basic insurers will hardly fully compensate for the cost trend. The shift from inpatient treatment to outpatient care is likely to continue. Without a positive development in outpatient tariffs, the pressure on the operating result will continue.
Contact for further information
Gregor Lüthy, Head of Communication
Balgrist University Hospital
+41 44 386 14 15
E-mail