Access to healthcare for all - diversity as a challenge and a resource

Find out how Swiss Health Network for Equity promotes equity and removes barriers to enable equal access to healthcare for all.

The growing social, cultural and linguistic diversity of patients and staff has led to increased interest and importance of diversity management in the Swiss healthcare system. On the one hand, this involves identifying the needs of patients from disadvantaged population groups and responding to them with appropriate measures. On the other hand, it means taking into account the diversity of staff and promoting a working climate characterised by openness and equal opportunities.

The members of Swiss Health Network for Equity are focusing on various different strategies in order to ensure better, sustainable healthcare for all people living in Switzerland, and to turn existing diversity not just into a challenge but also into a resource:

• Implementing a diversity management policy within the company and reflecting this policy in key strategic documents (such as the mission, strategy, service portfolio, recruitment guidelines, code of conduct, and staff development),
  
• Systematic collection of diversity data and measurement of diversity management performance,
  
• Tailoring clinical and other services to the needs of specific patient groups,
  
• Empowerment of disadvantaged people,
  
• Raising awareness of issues such as bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination,
  
• Promoting the transcultural competence of employees and
  
• Commitment to reconciling professional and private life.

By exchanging ideas, the members of Swiss Health Network for Equity learn about the strategies of other institutions and benefit from the diversity that exists within the network. Together, we are committed to creating conditions that offer all individuals the same opportunities to maintain and restore their health or develop their abilities.