Just as in the Netherlands, the Swiss healthcare sector is also facing a number of significant challenges. These are linked in particular to the new financing system that will take effect in 2012 and the expected shortage of labour in the healthcare sector. It is also anticipated that the increasing competition amongst Swiss hospitals will stimulate the development of innovative approaches and services.

During his presentation, Erik Vrijhoeven explained how quality and efficiency are possible in relation to these major challenges thanks to the innovative concept that Assist Zorgondersteuning employs. Assist Zorgondersteuning focuses on the organization and implementation of all supporting and domestic processes on nursing wards. By looking at things from the perspective of the patient or client, the quality of the care is improved and the nursing and care staff are able to concentrate on their core tasks. Personnel can consequently be deployed more efficiently and cost savings can be achieved, resulting in better care at lower costs. In particular, the hospitality that the client or patient enjoys is increased.

MaAssist BV
An example of a successful joint venture between the Maasstad Hospital and Assist. In this joint venture a focus on patients (functional) and hospitality (emotional) take centre stage. During the presentation, Erik Vrijhoeven explained how this successful collaboration is put into practice.
The business plan, ambitions and practical examples gave the attentive Swiss audience an impression of this form of strategic partnership.

The plan was for a presentation to be given jointly by Maasstad Hospital and Assist. Unfortunately, however, Tom Fransen, Care Manager, and Alex Dirks, Director of Care at Maasstad Hospital, were unable to attend the conference as a result of the hospital moving to new premises. Nevertheless, they were still represented in a surprising way.




The main sponsor of the conference was Vebego Services Switzerland. Vebego is planning to launch Assist’s innovative healthcare support concept in Switzerland too.