Sismanoglio hospital reports major progress after first year under new leadership
Gümülcine's Sismanoglio General Hospital has reported significant improvements in surgical waiting times, outpatient appointments, staffing and operational procedures following the first year of Elena Rofaela's administration.
Rofaela marked one year at the helm of the hospital by presenting an overview of the administration's work, while also highlighting preparations for the transition to the new Komotini General Hospital, which is being developed through a donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
“We are upgrading today's hospital. We are preparing tomorrow's hospital” was the central message accompanying her review.
Surgical waiting list falls by 53%
One of the main achievements highlighted in the report is a 53% reduction in the hospital's unified surgical waiting list.
According to hospital figures, the number of pending surgical cases fell from 959 in September 2025 to 451 in July 2026, while the average waiting time has been reduced to approximately four months.
The hospital also performed 100 free afternoon surgeries, introduced for the first time as a free option available to all citizens.
More outpatient appointments available
The hospital reported a 20% increase in available and serviced appointments at its regular outpatient clinics during the past year, with the aim of improving patient access.
Patient feedback also indicated relatively high levels of satisfaction and trust. According to the figures presented by the administration, 79% of patients rated the overall care they received between four and five out of five.
Meanwhile, 87% gave their treating physicians a four- or five-star rating for trust, while 85% expressed the same level of confidence in nursing staff.
43 positions being filled
Staffing has also been identified as a key priority.
According to Rofaela, 43 positions are currently in the recruitment process, including 17 doctors, five nursing positions and 21 positions for other staff.
Nine employees are also continuing to work at the hospital through a Public Employment Service programme for workers over the age of 55, while six additional positions are expected to be added, bringing the total to 15.
The hospital has also welcomed three newly recruited resident doctors, who receive housing support from the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
In addition, the number of vocational high school students participating in apprenticeship programmes at the hospital is set to increase from 15 to 39 students during the 2026–27 academic year.
Financial management and patient safety measures
The administration also reported changes to the hospital's financial and procurement departments, including stronger control and accountability mechanisms and more systematic procedures.
The stated objectives include resolving outstanding financial issues, improving planning and making more efficient use of available resources.
Measures were also introduced in the areas of quality and patient safety, including compliance checks, updated procedures and protocols, and an on-site inspection by a multi-member team from the Organization for Quality Assurance in Health.
Emergency preparedness strengthened
The hospital has updated its PERSEAS and SOSTRATOS emergency preparedness plans and conducted a readiness exercise covering earthquake and fire scenarios.
The administration says operational preparedness will remain a priority as the hospital prepares for a major organizational transition.
Focus turns to new Gümülcine hospital
The transition to the new Komotini General Hospital, funded through a donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, is expected to be one of the administration's biggest challenges in the coming period.
Systematic planning is already underway for a safe and smooth transfer to the new facilities, with particular emphasis on organizational and operational readiness.
Rofaela said the results achieved during her first year belong above all to the hospital's employees, thanking staff for their cooperation and contribution.
She also thanked the 4th Health Region administration for its support, as well as the leadership of the Ministry of Health for its confidence and assistance in implementing the hospital's objectives.
Looking ahead, Rofaela described the past year as one of responsibility, daily effort and difficult decisions, while emphasizing that the work will continue with the transition to the new hospital as the central challenge of the next phase.
