AHEPA Hospital in Thessaloniki

The AHEPA University Hospital in Thessaloniki was established in 1947 by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). It’s one of Greece’s biggest hospitals, boasting 680 beds. The hospital offers a wide range of medical and surgical treatments, focusing on cardiology, neurosurgery, oncology, ophthalmology, ENT, and nephrology. It’s partnered with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Medical School and functions as a primary teaching institution.

History of AHEPA Hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece:

AHEPA University Hospital was founded in 1947 with financial support from AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association), a Greek-American organization in the United States.
It opened to the public in 1951 during the 25th anniversary celebrations of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. However, normal operations did not begin until March 1953.
The hospital is associated with the 4th Health District of the Health Services of Macedonia and Thrace. It operates with administrative and financial autonomy.
AHEPA Hospital is located within Aristotle University and is considered a major teaching hospital in Greece. It is part of the National Healthcare System (ESY).

Key Developments

1947-1951: AHEPA raised over $170,000 in the first few weeks of a nationwide fundraising drive to establish the hospital.
1948: The first AHEPA health center in Greece opened in Chryssoupolis, Kavala. This was the first of several AHEPA medical institutions in the country.
1955: The Swedish philanthropic group Rädda Barnen (Save the Children) donated funds to construct a 100-bed pediatric pavilion. The university pediatric clinic moved into this new building in 1958.
1970s: Hospital facilities were expanded with new clinic buildings.
1980s-1990s: Further upgrades were made, including a new accident and emergency department.

Current Status

Today, AHEPA Hospital covers around 50,000 sqm over several buildings constructed at different times.
It has 680 beds and provides healthcare across all medical and surgical specialties, as well as psychiatry.
The hospital continues to operate as a major healthcare institution in Greece, serving over 10 million patients to date.

Medical specialties covered at the AHEPA University Hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece

Cardiology: The cardiology department provides services like clinical cardiology, cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, and more.
Neurosurgery: The neurosurgery department treats disorders such as brain tumors, vascular diseases, and spine issues. It is equipped with modern facilities.
ENT: This department provides diagnosis and treatment for ear, nose, and throat conditions, including endoscopic sinus surgery and otosurgery.
Ophthalmology: Comprehensive eye care services are offered, which include cataract surgery, glaucoma management, cornea services, and more. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic facilities.
Nephrology and Dialysis: The department offers all forms of dialysis, renal transplant, and treatment of kidney disorders. The peritoneal dialysis program is renowned.
Oncology: Oncology services are provided in both adult and pediatric departments, featuring a range of cancer diagnostic and treatment facilities.
Radiology: The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging modalities like MRI, CT, PET-CT, and nuclear medicine.
Surgery: A variety of surgical services are offered, ranging from general surgery to subspecialties like orthopedics, urology, cardiothoracic, vascular, and plastic surgery.
Pediatrics: Comprehensive care for children is provided, including neonatology and pediatric hematology-oncology.
Psychiatry: The department offers mental health services for adolescents and adults, catering to the central Thessaloniki area.

Facilities and Technology

Modern medical equipment including MRI, CT, PET-CT scanners.
Robotic surgery capabilities.
Fully digitalized pathology laboratory.
Electronic medical records system.

Health Services

24/7 emergency department and intensive care units.
Outpatient specialty clinics.
Medical and surgical inpatient wards.
Operating rooms performing around 1000 surgeries annually.

Research and Academics

Active research collaborations with Aristotle University.
Conducts clinical trials and publishes widely.
Training programs for medical students and residents.

Quality of medical care provided at the AHEPA Hospital in Thessaloniki:

Patient Satisfaction

Patients generally report high satisfaction with the quality of care, facilities, and medical staff at AHEPA Hospital. It is seen as one of the top hospitals in Greece.
Some surveys have found over 90% patient satisfaction rates for factors like doctor communication, nursing services, cleanliness, etc. Patients highlight polite staff and good follow-up care.
However, long wait times for appointments and crowding in some departments remain issues affecting satisfaction.

Clinical Outcomes

AHEPA Hospital provides very good clinical outcomes across most major specialties like cardiology, neurosurgery, oncology, nephrology etc.
Mortality rates, surgical success rates, and other clinical outcome metrics are at par with international standards and top hospitals globally.
The hospital has state-of-the-art facilities including hybrid operating rooms, robotic surgery, advanced imaging, and ICUs aiding clinical care.

Research and Publications

AHEPA Hospital publishes extensively in major medical journals and has a strong research focus as a university hospital.
It participates in international multi-center clinical trials and collaborates on research projects with organizations like the EU and WHO.
Research productivity is high across many departments and specialties like cardiology, oncology, neurology, nephrology, etc.

Contact Information

Address: St. Kyriakidi 1, Thessaloniki 54636, Greece
Phone: +30 2310 993111
Website: https://www.ahepahosp.gr/

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