USZ director thanks dismissed whistleblower
Monika Jänicke, director of USZ, expresses gratitude towards the former cardiac surgeon who reported irregularities at the clinic.
Contesto
In brief - USZ director thanks dismissed whistleblower - Investigation confirms excessive mortality in cardiac surgery - Whistleblower was a former cardiac surgeon at the clinic - Cross-border workers in Ticino: how to report irregularities ## Key facts - What: Investigation into irregularities at the cardiac surgery clinic - When: Between 2016 and 2020 - Where: University Hospital of Zurich (USZ) - Who: Director Monika Jänicke and whistleblower - Amount: 68-74 more deaths than average The director of the University Hospital of Zurich (USZ), Monika Jänicke, has publicly expressed her gratitude towards the whistleblower who reported serious irregularities in the cardiac surgery clinic. In an interview with SonntagsZeitung, Jänicke stated: 'They deserve all our respect.' The whistleblower, a former cardiac surgeon at the same clinic, had publicly reported the irregularities and raised the issue several times. Jänicke did not want to comment on the dismissal of the whistleblower, stating that it is a matter of the past, having become director of the USZ only in 2023. The question of compensation will be included in the analysis of the report published last Tuesday. ### Comparisons and implications The administrative investigation found serious shortcomings in the cardiac surgery clinic, demonstrating a higher than average mortality rate. According to the data, between 2016 and 2020, out of approximately 4,500 surgical procedures, there were 68 to 74 more deaths than would statistically be expected. The Zurich cardiac surgery clinic was directed by Italian professor Francesco Maisano, who was removed from his position in 2020 and is now head of the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. ### Impact on cross-border workers For cross-border workers employed in the healthcare sect...
Dettagli operativi
Practical Analysis The case of the USZ (Universitätsspital Zürich) has highlighted significant issues regarding transparency and security in Swiss healthcare systems. For cross-border workers in Ticino and Switzerland, it is crucial to know their rights and the procedures for reporting any irregularities. Director Jänicke recognized the value of the whistleblower but also noted that compensation for victims and their families is still under evaluation. ### Procedures for Reporting Irregularities 1. Identify the irregularity: Gather documented evidence of the irregularities found. For example, a nurse from Lugano working in a Zurich hospital could document errors in medical records or practices not compliant with regulations. 2. Contact the direct superior: Inform the superior or department head about your concerns. In Ticino, many cross-border workers work in hospitals like the EOC (Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale), where you can turn to your department head. 3. Report to the competent office: If you do not receive an adequate response, contact the compliance office or the ombudsman of the hospital. For example, the USZ has a dedicated compliance office that can be contacted by email or phone. 4. Contact the authorities: In serious cases, you can contact the competent health or legal authorities. In Switzerland, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) is a reference point for reports. ### Comparison with the Previous Situation Before this investigation, the procedures for reporting irregularities were less clear and less encouraged. Media attention and the intervention of the authorities have led to greater transparency and improvement of internal procedures. This case can serve as an example for other hospitals and clinics, not only in Switzerland but also in Italy,...
Punti chiave
Concrete Action If you are a cross-border worker in the healthcare sector in Switzerland, it is essential to know your rights and the procedures for reporting any irregularities. Here is a detailed guide with concrete examples and specific references to Ticino. ### 1. Inform yourself about your rights Consult the internal regulations of your hospital or clinic to know the reporting procedures. For example, the Regional Hospital of Lugano (ORL) has a specific protocol for reporting irregularities, available on their website. Additionally, the Federal Law on Data Protection (LPD) of June 19, 1992, and its 2022 revision provide a legal framework for the protection of whistleblowers. ### 2. Gather evidence Document irregularities with concrete evidence, such as documents, emails, or testimonies. For example, if you work at the Civil Hospital of Lugano and notice discrepancies in medical records, save digital or paper copies of the evidence. The Federal Law against Unfair Competition (LCSL) of 1986 may be relevant in cases of fraud. ### 3. Contact your supervisor Inform your direct supervisor of your concerns. If you work in Bellinzona, you can turn to the department head or the health director. It is important to document this communication with emails or formal letters. ### 4. Report to the competent office If you do not receive an adequate response, contact the compliance office or the ombudsman of the hospital. For example, the Italian Hospital of Lugano has a dedicated compliance office. The Federal Law on Federal Administration Personnel (LPAP) of 2000 offers protection to public employees who report irregularities. ### 5. Turn to the authorities In serious cases, contact the competent health or legal authorities. In Ticino, you can turn to the Office of the Cant...