Bern is set to open its first stationary adult hospice this summer. The new facility, located at Oranienburg on Schänzlistrasse 15, will address a long-standing gap in palliative care services within the canton. This marks a significant step forward for end-of-life care in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Bern's first adult hospice opens this summer in Oranienburg.
- It will offer nine single rooms for patients in their final life phase.
- The facility operates as a three-year pilot project with cantonal support.
- Funding relies on donations, with initial cantonal financial commitment ensuring access for all.
- The project fills a critical gap, as Bern previously lacked a dedicated adult hospice.
New Home at Oranienburg
The Hospice Bern will begin operations in the Oranienburg building. This location was secured through a usage agreement with the Diaconis Foundation, which owns the property. The initial plan for a site at the former Mon Soleil retirement home faced delays due to objections.
Regula Mader, President of the Hospice Mon Soleil Bern Foundation, expressed satisfaction with the chosen site. She highlighted the importance of the Oranienburg location for the pilot phase. The hospice aims to be accessible to all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Quick Facts
- Location: Oranienburg, Schänzlistrasse 15, Bern
- Number of Rooms: Nine single patient rooms
- Pilot Project Duration: Three years
- Service Provider: Hospice Mon Soleil Bern Foundation
Addressing a Critical Care Gap
The opening of Hospice Bern directly addresses a significant gap in healthcare services. Previously, the Canton of Bern did not have a dedicated stationary adult hospice. Expert assessments indicate a need for approximately 50 hospice beds for adults across the canton, ideally distributed regionally.
This new facility will provide specialized palliative care and end-of-life support. It caters to adult patients in their final stages of life when hospital treatment is no longer necessary, and home or nursing home care is not feasible. Many patients are those whose lives have been abruptly altered by illness.
"We are very pleased to have found a good location for the pilot phase of Hospice Bern in Oranienburg and to be able to start in just a few months. Hospice Bern is open to all people – regardless of faith, social, or cultural origin." — Regula Mader, President of the Hospice Mon Soleil Bern Foundation
Comprehensive Facilities and Services
The Hospice Bern is designed to offer a supportive and caring environment. It features nine individual patient rooms. Additionally, communal and lounge areas are available for patients, their families, and visitors. A garden also provides a peaceful outdoor space.
The hospice will source its housekeeping and catering services from Diaconis. This collaboration ensures efficient operation and high-quality support for patients and staff. The operational concept is fully developed, and staff recruitment is currently underway to prepare for the summer opening.
What is a Stationary Hospice?
A stationary hospice provides professional palliative care and companionship for adult patients in their final phase of life. It offers a personal, caring environment when hospital stays are no longer required, and home care or nursing home support is insufficient. The focus is on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
Cantonal Support and Funding Challenges
The Hospice Bern project, alongside 'La Passerelle' in Corgémont, has received approval for a three-year pilot project from the cantonal Health, Social, and Integration Directorate (GSI). The GSI has committed to special funding to ensure that all individuals can access hospice care, regardless of their financial situation.
Despite this cantonal support, the Hospice Mon Soleil Bern Foundation remains reliant on donations. Regula Mader confirmed that there is no direct start-up funding from the Canton of Bern. This highlights the ongoing need for public and private contributions to sustain these vital services.
Network of Hospices Across Bern
The Hospice Bern is part of a larger initiative to establish comprehensive hospice care across the canton. Five adult hospice projects have formed the Hospice Canton Bern Interest Group. These projects aim to cover the entire cantonal area, ensuring regional access to specialized end-of-life care.
The network includes:
- Hospice Biel-Bienne: Serving the Biel-Seeland region
- Hopespiz: Located in the Oberland region
- Nangijala: Covering the Schwarzenburg area
- La Passerelle: Dedicated to the Bernese Jura
- Hospice Bern: Serving the Bern-Mittelland region
This coordinated effort will ensure that more residents have access to the compassionate care they need during their final journey. The foundation continues to negotiate the final points of its overall financing to secure long-term stability.