On March 2, 3 and 8, 2022, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) held townhall meetings with residents and local authorities to discuss progress on the new SNF University Pediatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, the new SNF General Hospital of Komotini, and the new SNF General Hospital of Sparta, respectively, in each of those three cities. The creation of the new hospitals is supported in full by SNF as part of our ongoing Health Initiative.
This is the fifth round of townhall discussions organized and conducted by SNF to maintain regular, transparent, two-way exchange with local communities in each of the three regions. During the events, which were attended by representatives from SNF, the Design Team and the Ministry of Health, as well as local stakeholders, updates on vision, design, and recent developments since the last discussions in July 2021 were presented and discussed in detail. Work on the creation of the three hospitals continues at pace, in accordance with the current timetables that slate the start of construction works for January 2023 and completion and delivery of the projects to the Greek public for 2025.
As part of the events, SNF and the Design Team presented the architectural plans and clinical provisions of the hospitals, highlighting new elements incorporated in the designs following SNF’s recent consultations with the local medical communities. The project timelines, which have the tender process for the three projects scheduled to start in spring 2022, were also discussed. The public had the opportunity to ask questions about the development and future operation of the three hospitals, as well as the accompanying infrastructure projects under the purview of the Greek state for the connection of the hospitals with utility networks and roads.
The three projects, designed by internationally renowned architect Renzo Piano, reflect a vision shared with SNF for creating hospitals that are globally pioneering in design, incorporating the highest environmental standards and new technologies. The integration of the role of nature and human-centric models of care will create a patient experience that offers an international point of reference in the field of healthcare infrastructure and planning.
The three facilities will operate as state-of-the-art public hospitals, in accordance with international standards and featuring topline diagnostic medical equipment, single and double rooms exclusively, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly design, and, above all, an atmosphere of openness and accessibility for all patients and their families. The hospitals’ design, construction, and operation will incorporate the sustainability principles of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program. At the same time, the new facilities will also enable the development of modern digital infrastructure for clinical services, sustainable and efficient hospital management and maintenance, and interconnection with other partner health entities.