New OR test room opens in Living Lab
Realistic simulation platform for the operating theatres of the future
Translated with DeepL.
The SCDH has opened a state-of-the-art Test OR at its Living Lab. The new simulation platform enables future operating theatres to be realistically tested and optimised on a 1:1 scale. In doing so, the SCDH is addressing the key challenges facing the healthcare sector: cost pressures, a shortage of skilled staff and the rapid development of new technologies. Around 150 guests attended the opening.
On 11 September 2025, the SCDH opened its new Test OR in the Living Lab. The impressive response to the opening event clearly demonstrates that there is a significant need for innovative testing and planning facilities for operating theatres. Guests were able to experience the state-of-the-art simulation platform first-hand and see for themselves how future operating theatres can be tested and optimised here on a 1:1 scale.
«With the new Test OR, we are creating a unique environment in which hospitals, outpatient clinics, architects, specialist planners and users can realistically experience and refine future operating theatre concepts and their surroundings. This is an important step towards increasing planning certainty, improving working conditions for specialist staff in the operating theatre and enhancing the quality of patient care in the long term.»
High-profile panel discussion
A particular highlight of the event was the panel discussion featuring experts from various fields. Matthias Scherz (Insel Group / OR and Performance Management), Dr Sc. ETH Fabio Carillo (Balgrist University Hospital / OR-X Research Unit), Thomas Stegmaier (Baufeld AG architectural practice) and Thomas Fritsch (HT Group) engaged in a lively discussion about the practical benefits of the new simulation platform. Their diverse perspectives highlighted the wide range of opportunities the surgical simulation room offers to hospitals, outpatient clinics, architects, specialist planners and medical technology companies.
High level of interest confirms relevance
The opening event provided not only an opportunity to tour the new facility, but also to exchange ideas and network. In lively discussions among the guests, it quickly became clear that the Test OR creates a unique environment for the joint development of innovative solutions. Here, users can realistically experience future surgical concepts and improve them together – an important step towards increasing planning reliability, optimising working conditions and enhancing the quality of patient care in the long term.
Output category
Event
Area of activity
Objects and environmentSystems and processes
Offering
Testing
Infrastructure
Testing spaces