2022 - 2025

A difficult fate made more bearable

Caring for terminally ill children pushes their families to the limits of what is possibly manageable.

Description

Palliative care at the Children's Hospital Zurich supports these children by trying to ensure that they live out the rest of their days as happily as possible. Various activities are organized for the children and their families to reduce stress and anxiety and provide comfort while trying to meet the needs of the whole family

Vision

To improve the quality of life not only for children and young people suffering from a terminal illness but for their families as well.

Approach

A 12-member team at the Children's Hospital Zurich takes care of the physical, psychological, and social needs of children and their families and cares for them where the child is most comfortable.

Parents who have been affected by a palliative illness can also take advantage of psychological counselling. In some cases, children are provided support to prepare for the death of a parent, and are continued to be supported afterwards.

Impact

In 2023, 182 families, the majority of cases being children with neurological diseases, received care and support.

Story

Sarah's Story

The special story of a child suffering from a complex heart defect, told by Eva Bergsträsser:

"Sarah is now 4 years old. We met her when she was two days old. She was born with a complex heart defect and her chances of survival were very low. The family wanted to be able to care for Sarah at home until she died. The child was discharged at five days of age, receiving close support from pediatric home care, a midwife, and the palliative care team. The palliative care team was available 24 hours a day and made regular visits to their home. After unstable days and weeks, Sarah health continually stabilized.

Surprisingly for everyone, this required a change in the role of the palliative care team.
We supported the family during this transition from preparing for their daughter’s death to managing several operations that saved her life. At seven months old, Sarah had her first heart operation and three years later another corrective operation. Sarah is developing well and has a great quality of life. Palliative care is no longer necessary, but the support on this path was infinitely important for the family.”

Partner

Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich