Following almost three years of intensive construction work, a project worth over PLN 40 million has reached its conclusion. The redevelopment of St. Louis Regional Specialist Children's Hospital in Kraków has resulted in the establishment of the Małopolska Centre for Paediatrics and Comprehensive Treatment of Children with FASD (Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders). 

At a total cost of more than PLN 40 million, the investment included the following: PLN 28 million from EU funds, almost PLN 2 million from the national budget, just under PLN 3.5 million from the Małopolska regional budget, and PLN 7.4 million from the hospital's own resources.

"After three years of extensive work, we can now see how much has been achieved and how much has been gained by the St. Louis Hospital in Kraków. Thanks to European funds, subsidies from the national budget, funds from the Małopolskie region and financial support from the hospital, we have implemented a project worth more than PLN 40 million. The scope of the work carried out, described in the hospital itself as an historic, era-defining investment, greatly expands the hospital's capacity. This is very good news for all patients. I am happy to see that leading specialists at the institution have acquired such a modern space and tools to help our youngest patients as effectively as possible," said Marshal of the Małopolskie Region and Member of the ECR Group at the CoR Witold Kozłowski.

"Protecting the health of Małopolska's residents is one of the top priorities of the regional government. There is a need for consistent investment and action in this area which plays a strategic role for all of us. It is the cornerstone of our shared safety, symbolised over the past year by the Małopolska Anti-Crisis Shield, with a broad and continuously developed medical package. With this large-scale investment at the St. Louis Children's Hospital, it is crucial that we create the best possible conditions for our youngest patients to get back to health," said Lukasz Smółka, Vice-Marshal of the Małopolskie Region, and member of the ECR Group at the CoR.

The historic, 145-year-old building in the centre of Kraków has been thoroughly modernised and gained an additional floor. New departments have been created, including for anaesthesia, intensive care and paediatric surgery as well as an operating block worth almost PLN 1 million.

Modern medical equipment in the Kraków hospital will make it possible to carry out not only general surgery, but also operations in the area of orthopaedics and laryngology.

"What the hospital lacked most was surgical and intensive care units, with anaesthesiology available around the clock. The operating theatre itself has been fitted out with very high-level equipment. This complements comprehensive care for children, which has long been provided through other hospital departments, basic healthcare and specialist clinics. In addition, patients in need of rehabilitation following treatment in Kraków are offered a stay on our second site – the Małopolska Rehabilitation Centre in Radziszów," highlighted Stanisław Stępniewski, Director of the St. Louis Regional Specialist Children's Hospital in Kraków.

Hospital patients now have, for the most part, single and twin rooms with comfortable beds and chairs for parents, each with their own shower and toilet. The staffroom for doctors and nurses has also been renovated as part of the investment.

Małopolska's health services also include Poland's only comprehensive diagnostic and treatment centre for children with FASD (foetal alcohol spectrum disorders), which forms an integral part of the St. Louis Hospital.

It is worth adding that, as part of the medical package of the Małopolska Anti-Crisis Shield, which is implemented partly through European funds, the regional hospital has received more than PLN 2 million. This has been used to purchase specialised medical equipment and laboratories have been fitted out.​