University Hospital Zurich rejects whistleblower compensation claim

The University Hospital Zurich (USZ) has rejected a compensation claim of at least 2.5 million Swiss francs from André Plass, a former cardiac surgeon who acted as a whistleblower regarding catastrophic conditions in the hospital’s cardiac surgery department.

Plass originally reported malpractice in late 2019. The resulting scandal involved allegations that approximately 70 people died unnecessarily due to substandard conditions. While the hospital has reportedly moved toward settling with some relatives and expects compensation costs to reach millions, USZ Board President André Zemp stated that there is no legal basis under internal guidelines to grant financial redress to Plass.

Plass claims he has suffered significant financial losses and a de facto professional ban from practicing cardiac surgery since his reports. He expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that while the malpractice has been confirmed, the whistleblower remains harmed without accountability. He has announced his intention to pursue his claims through legal channels.