The application discloses a method for the preparation (by extruding, injection moulding or powder coating and subsequent cross-linking by irradiation with UV or visible light) of a medical device element involving a coating composition comprising (a) hydrophilic polymer(s) and (b) low molecular weight scaffold(s) having a plurality of photo-initiator moieties co-valently linked thereto and/or covalently incorporated therein, wherein the photo- initiator moieties constitute 0.01-20 % by weight of the combined amount of the hydrophilic polymer(s) and the low molecular weight scaffolds. The application further dis¬closes such extruded, injection moulded or powder coated medical devices having thereon a layer of a covalently cross-linked coating composition of a hydrophilic polymerand a low molecular weight scaffold having a plurality of residues of photo-initiator moieties.
