Construction of the three SNF hospitals in Thessaloniki, Komotini and Sparta is moving ahead steadily. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation now expects to complete and hand over all three by the end of 2027.
SNF is delivering the hospitals under its Global Health Initiative (GHI). Work is running in parallel at all three sites, and key phases of construction have advanced significantly.
As a result, the main focus is gradually shifting to electromechanical installations, medical equipment, information systems, rooftop solar panels and landscaping.
According to SNF, the end-of-2027 date reflects progress so far and the pace of work under current conditions. It also reflects the order the next phases must follow. The Foundation has formally shared the updated timeline with the Greek state. In addition, regular institutional meetings between the two sides continue.
Why the SNF hospitals matter to the National Health System
The three SNF hospitals have a total estimated cost of more than €500 million. They form a central pillar of the GHI. SNF funds the initiative with a wider donation of more than US$1 billion, for projects in Greece and internationally.
When the works finish, the Foundation will hand the hospitals over to Greek society. The aim is to improve access to high-quality health care in each region. At the same time, the SNF hospitals should help set new standards of care within Greece’s National Health System (ESY).
To that end, SNF said all partners remain committed to very high technical standards. Greek City Times reported on the plans in February 2020 and later profiled the three projects in August 2022.
Mass timber and a Renzo Piano design
AVAX Group is carrying out what SNF calls a multifaceted and pioneering construction process. Hill International oversees the work as Project Manager, in collaboration with the Design Team and specialised consultants.
The design builds on a shared, people-centred vision of the Foundation and internationally renowned architect Renzo Piano. Following that vision, the new SNF hospitals blend with their natural surroundings and meet the highest environmental standards.
They also use innovative architectural and construction solutions. SNF said Greece has never used them at such a scale, and called them pioneering at a European level. In particular, they include extensive use of structural timber and complex façade systems.
Fire safety received particular attention too, and a specialised body in Germany has certified their performance at the highest level.
Timber frames complete at all three sites
The timber load-bearing structure of the SNF hospitals is now complete at all three construction sites. Its connections use special metal components made locally in Greece and tailored to each project.
At the same time, the timber façade on the Komotini building is complete. Work on the façade of the SNF University Pediatric Hospital of Thessaloniki has also made notable progress, while similar work has already started in Sparta.
This timber façade covers the upper floors, which will house the patient care units and wards.
At the new SNF General Hospital of Komotini, the lower-floor façade, where the clinical services will sit, is also complete. It uses prefabricated GFRC (glass fibre reinforced concrete) panels, which combine high strength with considerable architectural flexibility.
Similar works are under way in Thessaloniki and Sparta. Additionally, the glass façade at entrance level has made significant progress. So has the glazing in the timber façade of the upper floors, part of a design that prioritises natural light.
International partners for the SNF hospitals
Beyond design and construction, the SNF hospitals will have top-specification medical technology and information systems. Additional SNF grants under the GHI also fund international partnerships to prepare them for future operation.
Partners include NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the United States.
Still, staffing remains at the heart of the effort to develop and run the three hospitals. That depends on the actions and commitments the Greek state has taken on.
Finally, SNF is exploring artworks by internationally recognised artists, including Greek creators, for selected areas of the Thessaloniki paediatric hospital. The goal is a friendly, welcoming setting for children, their families and staff.
Town halls and open days for local residents
SNF said it remains committed to finishing the SNF hospitals to the required technical and quality standards, with regular, transparent public updates.
So far, the Foundation has held nine rounds of open town hall meetings in Thessaloniki, Komotini and Sparta. The Hellenic Ministry of Health, contractor AVAX Group, Project Manager Hill International and the Design Team took part.
In addition, open site visits recently took place at all three SNF hospitals. These gave local residents and the wider public a chance to see the progress first-hand.
SNF, which marks 30 years of activity this year, is one of the world’s largest private philanthropic organisations. Since 1996, it has approved nearly US$4 billion in grants to more than 3,100 partner organisations in 138 countries.
The GHI is the largest initiative in the Foundation’s history. Besides the SNF hospitals, it funds specialised medical equipment, such as new aircraft for EKAB air ambulance transfers. It also covers training for health professionals and a wide range of mental health programs.
Source: Stavros Niarchos Foundation
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