16. September 2022
COMCO says yes to cooperation between University Hospital Basel and Bethesda Hospital
Following approval by the Competition Commission, the University Hospital Basel and Bethesda Spital Basel have taken the necessary legal steps to finalise their deepened partnership.
The Swiss Federal Competition Commission (COMCO) has declared the acquisition of 60% of the shares in Bethesda Spital AG by the USB to be unobjectionable, without imposing any conditions. With the transfer of the majority of shares in Bethesda Spital AG to the University Hospital Basel (USB), the two hospitals legally finalised their deepened partnership yesterday, Thursday.
At the same time, the new Board of Directors of Bethesda Spital AG took up its duties. Since the public announcement of the closer co-operation, intensive planning has been going on behind the scenes for four months. Among other things, the medical offering is currently being finalised in detail.
With this partnership, the USB and Bethesda Spital are sending out a strong signal in favour of integrated care and are relying on cooperation between a public and a private hospital. In doing so, they are supporting the political will for efficient and high-quality healthcare. They are taking the path to the future together and developing their respective strengths in mutual respect. By taking this step, the USB and Bethesda Hospital are helping to shape the healthcare region of north-west Switzerland. The Bethesda Diaconate Foundation can maintain its 100-year tradition of holistic care and nursing for the sick and needy. As a significant minority shareholder, the Foundation retains a weighty say and bears responsibility for pastoral care on the Bethesda Campus. Employees, attending physicians and doctors in private practice benefit from the possibilities and opportunities arising from the partnership. They are and will be involved in the development.