The Hospital with Polyclinic n.o. Kráľovský Chlmec, in cooperation with its Hungarian partner, the Saint Damian Greek Catholic Hospital (Szent Damján Görögkatolikus Kórház) in Kisvárda, implemented the project “Green Hospitals for a Healthier Future”, funded through the Interreg VI-A Hungary–Slovakia Programme. The aim of the project was to increase the hospitals’ preparedness for the impacts of climate change and to create a more pleasant environment for patients, visitors and employees.
Construction and landscaping works on the premises of the hospital in Kráľovský Chlmec have been completed. A green roof and a rooftop terrace with a bioclimatic pergola and greenery were created on the main hospital building. The vegetated roof covers an area of 1,922.6 m², while the covered terrace has an area of 52 m² and provides seating for 12 people. The project also included five large-capacity planters for intensive rooftop vegetation. To collect rainwater, two underground retention tanks with a total capacity of 100 m³ were constructed, while 950 m² of roof area was connected to the retention tank and rain garden system.
The revitalisation of the park in the southern part of the hospital grounds covered an area of 11,436 m². The project included renovated pathways and paved areas, rain gardens covering 326 m², relaxation and recreational zones, as well as an educational trail featuring medicinal plants. The educational trail is 38 metres long, while the area planted with medicinal plants covers 26 m². To support biodiversity, a 1,620 m² meadow area with minimal human intervention was created. The park was also equipped with benches, waste bins and information boards, and an automatic irrigation system was installed.
The implemented measures contributed to improved rainwater management and enhanced the microclimate of the hospital grounds, which, at the time of project implementation, served a catchment area of approximately 60,000 inhabitants and 229 hospital employees.
At the premises of the partner hospital in Kisvárda, an area of almost 20,000 m² was renovated. Tree planting, grassing and landscaping covered 17,000 m², with 3,600 plants planted, including trees, shrubs, flowering perennials and ground-cover species. When selecting the plants, local climatic conditions, resilience and low maintenance requirements were taken into consideration. In addition, 1,000 m² of barrier-free pedestrian areas and relaxation spaces were created and equipped with benches, additional seating elements and outdoor loungers.
The renovation of the Hungarian hospital grounds also included an educational trail with information boards focusing on plants, biodiversity and sustainability. To support natural ecosystems, areas for pollinators, an insect hotel and a bird-friendly garden with nesting boxes, feeders and bird baths were created. An irrigation system using collected rainwater, a green wall and a fountain were also installed. The relaxation areas were complemented by the Park of Wonders, featuring eight stops, and the themed Noah’s Ark children’s playground located near the paediatric department.
The renovation of the hospital grounds in Kisvárda focused on reducing heat stress, improving the microclimate, supporting biodiversity, and creating spaces for relaxation and mental regeneration for patients and employees. The project took into account the needs of the Hungarian hospital’s catchment area of approximately 110,000 inhabitants.
As part of the cross-border cooperation, a joint expert working group was also established to analyse the health impacts of climate change, prepare coordinated measures and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience between the two hospitals. The implemented measures created conditions for improved rainwater management and enhanced microclimates at both hospital sites. The Slovak part of the project addressed the needs of approximately 60,000 inhabitants in the hospital’s catchment area and 229 hospital employees. The renovation of the Kisvárda hospital grounds addressed the needs of the hospital’s catchment area of approximately 110,000 inhabitants.
The ceremonial handover of the project outputs took place on 28 September 2026 in the hospital building. The project was completed on 30 September 2026.
The total project budget was EUR 1,504,810.00, of which the budget of the Hospital with Polyclinic n.o. Kráľovský Chlmec amounted to EUR 753,450.00.
Support from the European Regional Development Fund amounted to EUR 1,203,848.00, of which the support allocated to the Hospital with Polyclinic n.o. Kráľovský Chlmec amounted to EUR 602,760.00.
The environmental measures were implemented as part of the project “Green Hospitals for a Healthier Future”, funded through the Interreg VI-A Hungary–Slovakia Programme.
Acronym: #GreenHospitals
