Česky
A wish that was waiting to come true
According to surviving records, the desire to build a hospital in Hořovice dates back to the late 19th century. For many years, the inhabitants of the town and surrounding villages had to rely primarily on hospitals in Beroun and Příbram, meaning that hospital care was not readily available to them at that time.
A major milestone came inJune 1956. After decades of planning and preparation, the foundation stone of the new district hospital was laid. The long-held wish of the people of the Hořovice region was thus finally beginning to become a reality.
Contemporary records show that this was no ordinary event. Thousands of people from across the district flocked to Hořovice, and a ceremonial procession made its way from the town square to the castle. The year 1956 thus became a significant milestone in the history of the Hospital Hořovice.
From the foundation stone to the first patients
Construction progressed in the following years, and by 1959 the section intended for what was then the polyclinic had been completed. A year later, the first visitors were welcomed.
The grand opening of the entire hospital took place on 9 July 1961. The various departments began operating in stages, with paediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, radiology and biochemistry establishing themselves here, followed by other specialisms.
Just one year after opening, the hospital had 256 beds and employed 21 physicians and 95 nursing and healthcare staff. Another significant moment came in December 1961, when the first baby was born at the Hořovice maternity ward.
Seven decades of transformation
Hospital Hořovice has come a long way since its first patients. Over the decades, its character has evolved hand in hand with advances in medicine and growing demands for healthcare. The year 2007 marked a significant milestone, when the hospital was privatised by Ing. Sotirios Zavalianis, owner of the AKESO healthcare holding company. Under his leadership, the hospital has undergone significant development, modernisation and expansion of the care it provides, right up to the present day.
However, it is not merely buildings, equipment or medical technology that have driven these successive stages of development. The hospital’s story is shaped above all by generations of physicians, nurses and other staff, as well as by patients and their families, who have been inextricably linked to the hospital for seven decades.
“Seventy years is a significant milestone that reminds us of the long journey Hospital Hořovice has undertaken during its existence. At the same time, it is an opportunity to thank everyone who has played a part in its story – former and current staff, patients and the entire region. We also want to build on the hospital’s history in the future and continue to develop it so that it remains a place of high-quality, modern healthcare for the people of the Hořovice area,” says Jiří Pichlík, DiS., Director of Hospital Hořovice.
We’ll celebrate 70 years together
We would also like to celebrate this significant anniversary with you.
On Wednesday 23 September 2026, from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm, celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the hospital’s foundation will therefore take place on the grounds of Hospital Hořovice.
Visitors can look forward to an exhibition charting seven decades of the hospital’s history, offering a glimpse into its past and highlighting key moments and changes across different periods.
The programme will also include a health and prevention zone, where visitors can learn more about looking after their health and gain a behind-the-scenes look at selected departments. There will also be a presentation on job opportunities and a range of other supporting activities.
Seventy years is the story of many generations. It is a story of care, courage, expertise, change and, above all, people. Come and commemorate and celebrate it with us.
We look forward to seeing you on 23 September 2026 at the Hospital Hořovice site.
