Gold jewelry disappears from patient with dementia - son argues with hospital
An 89-year-old woman lost jewellery worth 8,000 Swiss francs after being admitted to Affoltern am Albis Hospital in Switzerland. The incident took place in June 2025, when she was transferred to the hospital’s delirium unit with mild dementia. Her family and the hospital are now in dispute over who should cover the loss.
The woman arrived at the hospital in a confused state, requiring urgent care. After her condition stabilised, her son—acting under power of attorney—discovered that her wedding ring and other gold items had vanished. Only minor belongings, such as his watch, keys, wallet, and 40 francs, were returned.
The hospital acknowledged the loss but offered only a 40-franc reimbursement, refusing to cover the jewellery. A nurse later admitted responsibility for the disappearance of the valuables. However, both the hospital and its insurers denied liability, calling the situation an 'unpleasant matter.' The son rejected the hospital’s offer, insisting it was their duty to safeguard his mother’s possessions. His lawyer argued that medical facilities must take extra care with valuables belonging to disoriented patients. Discussions between the family and the hospital are ongoing, but no resolution has yet been reached.
The missing jewellery remains unaccounted for, despite the nurse’s admission. The hospital continues negotiations with the family, though neither side has agreed on compensation. Legal representatives maintain that the case highlights the need for stricter protocols when handling patients’ personal items.
