CELJE GENERAL HOSPITAL: DEVOTED TO LIFE FOR 120 YEARS

Abstract

The path that led to the formal opening of Celje Hospital 120 years ago had its begin- nings in a medieval town almshouse. Years of commitment to institutionalising inpatient treatment finally led to results in 1887 when the new Giselle’s Hospital, named after the emperor’s daughter, was solemnly opened by the heir to the throne, Archduke Rudolph. Since its establishment – in addition to the promotion of healthy life-styles and health management, changes in methods of financing and problems such as floods – the hospital’s primary value has been caring for the sick. This has been reflected in the work of physicians, nurses, female caregivers and other personnel; as the years passed, this attitude on the part of medical professionals towards patients increased the sense of confidence in the hospital. The local environment knew how to return such confidence, when it first supported the project of the extension and then also modernisation of the hospital, which is still underway. Today, Celje General Hospital holds an important position in the Slovenian public health system: as the third largest hospital in Slovenia, it includes 1600 employees and annually treats 35,000 inpatients and 260,000 people as part of the specialist and outpatient sys- tem. Within its periods of growth, the hospital has developed in almost every medical field. Today, we are committed to gaining the status of a clinical hospital, strengthening research activities and constantly improving quality. The motto that represents the mission of the employees of Celje Hospital also embodies the same spirit: “Devoted to life”.