Papageorgiou General Hospital is Northern Greece’s leading public tertiary care institution and one of the largest and most prestigious hospitals in Greece. Combining high-quality clinical services, cutting-edge research, and modern infrastructure, it plays a central role in regional healthcare delivery and international scientific collaboration. Located in Thessaloniki, the nation’s second-largest city and a major academic and medical hub, the hospital serves as both a medical and research landmark.
A Modern Public Hospital with Academic Affiliation
Opened in 1999 as a public, non-profit institution under the Greek Ministry of Health, Papageorgiou Hospital was built with support from the Papageorgiou Foundation and the Greek State to meet modern standards of safety, patient comfort, and medical technology. The facility spans over 75,000 m², houses 800 inpatient beds with occupancy consistently above 87,70% and includes intensive care units and specialized outpatient departments.. Each year, over 12,000 surgical procedures (ranging from routine to highly complex multidisciplinary operations) are performed in its state-of-the-art operating theatres. In 2024, it provided medical services to 292,709 outpatients and 101,653 inpatients.
Employing 1,981 staff, the hospital maintains a standing cooperation and affiliation since 2004 with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) Medical School. Fifteen of its thirty clinical departments are led by university professors, serving as teaching units and centres of excellence for medical students, residents, and nursing staff. This close academic connection fosters a robust research culture and ensures evidence-based practices across all specialties.
Clinical Excellence and Comprehensive Care
Papageorgiou Hospital offers a complete spectrum of medical and surgical services, including, among others, oncology, orthopaedics, cardiology, neurology, vascular surgery, dermatology, nephrology, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and paediatric surgery, and psychiatry. Its Emergency Department is one of Northern Greece’s top trauma and acute care centres, treating patients from across the country.
The hospital emphasizes integrated multidisciplinary care, particularly for complex conditions such as oncological, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal diseases. Advanced imaging (CT, MRI, PET/CT), modern laboratories, and specialized interventional units support precise diagnosis and optimal treatment.
Flagship departments include:
- Oncology and Haematology, managing a high volume of regional patients.
- Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Surgery, recognized for advanced tumour, trauma, and joint reconstruction procedures.
- Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, providing comprehensive diagnostics and interventions.
- Vascular Surgery, delivering state-of-the-art interventional solutions.
- Neonatal Intensive Care, offering specialized support for preterm and high-risk newborns.
Research, Clinical Trials, and Innovation
Papageorgiou Hospital demonstrates a strong commitment to research, clinical innovation, and academic collaboration. Since 2004, it has maintained a standing cooperation and affiliation with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) Medical School, enabling active participation in clinical research and multicentre trials across a wide range of medical fields. All studies are conducted by clinician-scientists trained in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), under strict compliance with national, European, and international ethical and regulatory standards. Research governance is overseen by the Institutional Review Board, in close collaboration with AUTH’s Research Committee.
The hospital hosts a diverse portfolio of clinical trials, from investigator-initiated studies to international Phase II–IV trials supported by pharmaceutical companies and research networks. Its robust electronic systems, secure data infrastructure, and dedicated research personnel ensure high-quality monitoring, documentation, and reporting. Ongoing trials cover oncology, cardiology, orthopaedics, dermatology, endocrinology, and infectious diseases.
Papageorgiou also houses the Clinical Research Unit, an innovative facility conducting Phase I studies, bioequivalence trials, pharmacovigilance, and pharmacoepidemiology research, marking an important advancement for clinical research capacity in Greece.
Furthermore, Papageorgiou is the first Greek hospital to participate in the Data Analysis and Real World Interrogation Network (DARWIN EU®). Through this initiative, it contributes to four multicentre retrospective studies using the federated OMOP-CDM (Common Data Model), significantly enhancing real-world evidence generation and data-driven clinical research at the national and European levels.
Patient-Centered Philosophy
Patient care at Papageorgiou Hospital prioritizes comfort, safety, and holistic support. The hospital’s architecture features wide corridors, natural light, and accessible public areas. Multidisciplinary teams provide clinical expertise alongside psychological and social support. Interpreter and social services facilitate communication for non-Greek-speaking patients, and the hospital regularly welcomes international patients from the Balkans and beyond.
Education and Community Role
Papageorgiou Hospital contributes extensively to medical education and public health awareness. It organizes training sessions, scientific meetings, and postgraduate seminars with AUTH, and hosts residents completing accredited specialty training. The hospital also maintains collaborations with Greek and European institutions for academic exchange. Community outreach includes participation in national screening and vaccination programs, organ donation promotion, and public health campaigns.
Infrastructure and Technology
Continuous investment in infrastructure and digital systems positions Papageorgiou Hospital among Greece’s most technologically advanced public hospitals. Recent enhancements include:
- Modern operating theatres with integrated imaging and anesthesia monitoring.
- Fully digital radiology and PACS.
- Laboratory automation and electronic reporting.
- Telemedicine capabilities for remote consultation and education.
- Energy-efficient building management systems.
These developments enhance patient care and support advanced clinical trials requiring precise monitoring and high-quality data.
Strategic Position and Accessibility
Located on Thessaloniki’s major transport routes, the hospital is easily reachable from both the city centre and wider Northern Greece. Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) provides direct connections to major European destinations, facilitating international collaboration and access for everyone.
Commitment to Collaboration and Quality
Papageorgiou Hospital upholds a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous quality improvement. Rigorous quality assurance, infection control programs, and patient safety monitoring are integral to daily operations. Partnerships with Aristotle University and European research networks strengthen its role as a regional centre of clinical, educational, and research excellence. Its commitment to international collaboration makes it a reliable site for multinational trials seeking scientific rigor, experienced investigators, and a diverse patient population, like those in the ThrombUS+ project.
Contribution to ThrombUS+
Papageorgiou General Hospital is proud to contribute to the ThrombUS+ Project as a clinical partner, participating in the following Work Packages:
- Project Management
- Requirements & Product Co-design
- Automated DVT Risk Estimation, Detection & Prevention
- Clinical Studies
- Communication & Dissemination
- Exploitation & Commercialization
As a pilot site, we are pleased to share that we enrolled the very first patient in Clinical Study A, titled: “A multi-center cohort study for conventional ultrasound image set collection to create a training data set for research purposes (image processing and analysis, AI model training).”
Study A is still ongoing, and we are proud to have already contributed a significant number of participants during its initial phase.
Our investigators, including specialists in vascular surgery, orthopaedic surgery, and radiology, ensure rigorous adherence to study protocols and high-quality data collection. With advanced imaging facilities and dedicated research staff, our hospital supports the study’s clinical and scientific objectives through precise monitoring and follow-up.
The strong patient engagement, together with our institution’s consistent support and close collaboration with national and international partners, highlights the important role of Papageorgiou Hospital in advancing the study and contributing to its ongoing progress.
