Upgrading of hospital in Patras, western Greece, provides residents with top-class health facilities
The ‘Agios Andreas’ General Hospital in Patras was severely damaged by an earthquake in June 2008. A major project backed by the European Regional Development Fund has upgraded the main hospital building and paid for the supply and installation of essential medical equipment and furnishings. The investment has substantially improved health services for the region’s 680 000 residents.
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The babies and premature infant department at the ‘Agios Andreas’ General Hospital in Patras, Greece. ©Marios Cheiras 2017
" With the modernisation of the hospital infrastructure, we have achieved the improvement of health conditions for citizens as well as the development of healthcare and the improvement of the services provided. The creation of new jobs both during the construction of the project and during the operational phase of the Hospital was also an important goal that we have achieved. "
Work to restore Agios Andreas was carried out in two phases in the hospital’s multi-storey section, which includes a basement, ground floor and seven other floors. Phase one focused on rebuilding and construction works. Walls were demolished and rebuilt, new flooring was laid and doors and windows installed throughout. In addition, the hospital received new sanitary ware and was re-painted.
Phase two was for the supply and installation of a range of medical equipment and furnishings essential for the running of a modern hospital and the provision of high-quality healthcare. Various clinics and departments were provided with hundreds of individual items including operating tables, x-ray machines, emergency resuscitation equipment, beds, surgical devices, storage cabinets, trolleys and wheelchairs. The hospital re-opened in 2017. During the project’s implementation, 100 people were employed on the site. 30 health personnel have been employed since the hospital became operational again.
Better services
The 2008 earthquake left Patras and the wider region without its main hospital. People had to rely on the local University Hospital, which had to be open every day, seven days a week, exceeding its capabilities and capacity. The re-opening has normalised health services across the region. Agios Andreas now provides people with more efficient, modern and better health services.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Upgrading main building of the General Hospital of Patras Agios Andreas and Supply – Installing medical equipment and furnishing” is EUR 14 943 810, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 13 434 018 through the “Western Greece” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 and 2014-2020 programming period.