Switzerland Opens First Children’s Hospice in Zurich, Offering Respite and Care for Families
A new beacon of hope has opened in Fällanden, Switzerland, with the launch of the Flamingo Children’s Hospice on January 6th. The facility provides a vital refuge for seriously ill children and their families, addressing a critical gap in care within the canton of Zurich and beyond.
Addressing a Critical Need
The opening of the Flamingo hospice marks a significant milestone, as it is the first dedicated children’s hospice in the canton of Zurich. Previously, families facing the challenges of a child’s serious illness had limited options. Existing adult hospices were not equipped to care for children, and during acute phases of illness, children like Keno, a 14-year-old living with an incurable condition, could be denied hospital stays after completing initial treatment. This left families in desperate situations, as highlighted by Keno’s mother, Maike Nugor, who stated, “We were completely desperate and would have wanted nothing more than a place like the Flamingo Children’s Hospice. You need a place like this to get through this.”
A Home Away From Home
The three-story building, completed in just two years from the initial planning application, is designed to be more than just a medical facility. According to Nicola Presti, the communications manager at the Swiss Children’s Hospice Foundation, “The Flamingo is not a hospice for the dying. Rather, the aim of a stay is to support the families and to offer everyone involved the best possible quality of life.” The hospice offers families the opportunity to spend up to 28 days per year in a supportive environment, providing a much-needed break and respite from the demands of ongoing care.
The facility features eight patient rooms on the ground floor, each with large windows overlooking a nearby nature reserve, and equipped with specialized beds and surveillance technology for attentive care. Family rooms are located on the second floor, fostering a sense of togetherness and normalcy. Recognizing the emotional toll on families, the hospice also provides support for relatives, with nursing staff dedicated to their well-being.
Beyond Respite: Preparing for All Outcomes
While the Flamingo prioritizes quality of life and respite, it is also prepared to provide end-of-life care. A dedicated prayer and burial room on the third floor acknowledges the reality of serious illness and offers a space for reflection and mourning. The hospice aims to be a safe and supportive environment for families navigating all stages of their child’s illness.
The Flamingo Children’s Hospice represents a compassionate response to a critical need, offering a haven for families facing unimaginable challenges. It stands as a testament to the power of dedicated care and the importance of providing support to those who need it most.
For families seeking support, resources are available through organizations like For the Cloak, which accompanies families with seriously ill children and young adults.
