Swiss Medical Network provides an update on the future of Privatklinik Lindberg
In early April 2026, Swiss Medical Network (SMN) informed staff and the public about a possible change at the Lindberg Private Clinic in Winterthur. The background to this is a situation at the site that has been challenging for years: as a contract-only hospital with just 53 beds and located in the immediate vicinity of a large public hospital, the economic conditions were far from ideal. Consequently, the clinic had not been profitable for many years.
Constructive staff involvement
Due to the potential impact of a reorganisation on staff at the Lindberg site, SMN initiated the statutory consultation procedure on 10 April. Around 45 submissions were received from staff. In terms of content, the vast majority of submissions called for the changes to be implemented in a socially responsible manner. One team put forward the idea of an outpatient service in the centre of Winterthur. At an information event, CEO Dino Cauzza thanked the staff for their constructive response and commented on the submissions.
SMN to concentrate activities in Zurich and Schaffhausen
Today, Dino Cauzza informed staff of the final decision and the next steps: SMN will concentrate Lindberg’s medical activities at the Belair Private Clinic in Schaffhausen and the Bethanien Private Clinic in Zurich. These two facilities have the necessary medical breadth and scale to provide high-quality care and ensure cost-effective operation. The Lindberg Private Clinic will close its doors towards the end of June. SMN is currently examining the idea of setting up an outpatient clinic in the centre of Winterthur. To this end, it holds an option to rent a suitable space.
Transition arrangements found for most staff
SMN will seamlessly continue to employ around 70 staff members elsewhere following the closure. The majority of colleagues will move to Zurich or Schaffhausen. This leaves 24 people currently without a solution, following a few early retirements and the group of staff who had already accepted a new position outside SMN before the consultation process began. SMN is preparing an offer for these staff to transfer to the Bethanien or Belair private clinics. If no further employment is secured, SMN will continue to support these employees in their job search, including by referring them to vacancies at other hospitals. As part of the closure of the Lindberg Private Clinic, SMN is paying all employees a severance payment based on length of service. In addition, SMN will pay a flat-rate transport allowance for the commute to Zurich or Schaffhausen for a period of six months. Employees who are unable to accept the proposed solution will receive additional compensation equivalent to one month’s salary. SMN is pleased that all its trainees have received an offer from Winterthur Cantonal Hospital (KSW) to continue their training.
KSW as the new tenant at Lindberg
Negotiations with KSW as the future tenant of the vacated premises have been concluded. Following specific infrastructure adjustments, KSW will offer acute geriatric care and palliative care there. Operations are scheduled to commence in early 2027. Construction work will take place between July and December 2026.