The new medical practice, situated in the premises of the old Saanen hospital, opened its doors to the public on 2 August. It is a joint venture of Gstaad International Healthcare AG and the municipality of Saanen and provides GP services for locals and visitors alike.

The time has finally come! The new group practice in the old Saanen hospital has been welcoming patients since the beginning of August. It is the result of a collaboration between Gstaad International Healthcare AG (GIH) and the municipality of Saanen. They founded SarinaMed to address the shortage of primary medical care in Saanenland.

Team of Professionals
Initially, three physicians are working at SarinaMed: Doris Zundel, Oana Manzanares and Max Matti. They are supported by four general practice assistants – Esther Brand, Pascale Carven, Aline Eichenberger and Susanne Kall. While this may not fully cover the current shortage of GPs in Saanenland, it is a timely and valuable addition to the primary care in the region.

The practice offers general family medical services and orthopaedic consultations. “Further discussions with potential physicians are ongoing, and additional specialised consultations are also being considered”, says practice manager Rolf Zundel.

Community Support
The practice is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment – not least thanks to the Association Friends of the Saanen Healthcare System (formerly Friends of the Saanen Hospital). They have purchased the X-ray and are making it available to SarinaMed free of charge. Further significant support for technical equipment comes from the municipalities of Gsteig and Lauenen.

A Smooth Start
The SarinaMed team has been busy finishing setting up the practice, answering phone calls, and implementing new processes. According to Zundel, everything has worked smoothly so far. At the center of their work, however, are the patients. “It is important to us that every patient feels welcome and receives adequate services,” says Zundel.

Three questions for Dr Zundel

Who can call SarinaMed for a consultation?
The practice is open to everybody, with a focus on people who do not have access to a GP. We are also open to visitors with medical needs that do not justify a visit to the emergency ward. However, we are not a walk-in clinic, which means that in every case, an appointment must be scheduled by phone.

Can patients who no longer have a family doctor just call, or are there any prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites. They best contact us by phone. Ideally, any records from their previous family doctor should be brought in before a consultation.

You are starting with three physicians and four medical assistants. Are you satisfied with this staffing situation?
Given the limited availability of GPs in the hiring market, we are very satisfied with the initial staffing. However, we are already in discussions with additional doctors and medical assistants. It takes more doctors to address the current shortage in the region.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday,

8.00–12.00 and 13.30–17.30

+41 (0)33 748 75 55
info@sarinamed.ch www.sarinamed.ch