120 Years at the Forefront of Medicine – Discover the History of Eira Hospital

• 1896: Eight doctors joined forces with the goal of founding their own hospital.
• 1901: The first patients were received in a modest wooden building at the corner of Fredrikinkatu and Lönnrotinkatu.
  • The conditions were primitive: rooms were lit by candles, and water was carried in by hand.
  • Despite the lack of electricity and running water, patients were treated carefully with the resources available.
• 1905: Eira’s iconic pale yellow hospital building was completed and opened in June at the corner of Laivurinkatu and Tehtaankatu.
  • The vision was to create a modern and homelike hospital that would differ from the cold institutions of its time with its humane atmosphere.
  • The building was designed by Art Nouveau master, architect Lars Sonck.
• The hospital is romantic in its details, peaceful, and timelessly beautiful. The healing power of the space has always been a core belief.
• Eira’s original building remains in use to this day. It is protected by the Finnish Heritage Agency and regularly modernized with respect to its history.

• In its early years, the hospital had 25 patient rooms, two operating rooms, and a maternity ward.
  Surgery, internal medicine, and childbirth formed the core of its operations.
• 1910: A new red-toned hospital building was completed next to the original one on Tehtaankatu to accommodate the growing number of patients.
• This “New Wing,” also designed by Lars Sonck, was later expanded by two additional floors.

What Happened During the War?

• 1940s:
  • Eira served as an emergency aid station for victims of bombings during World War II and even had its own military hospital unit.
  • Staff were transferred to field hospitals, and some lost their lives in service.

• 1944:
  • Several bombs fell in front of the hospital—but evacuation efforts saved lives.
  • The hospital’s facade, windows, and interior suffered significant damage.

• 1954:
  • The hospital launched laboratory operations, strengthening its diagnostic expertise.
• 1960s:
  • Outpatient and clinical services expanded.
  • Physiotherapy was introduced.

• 1970s:
  • Plastic surgery, gynecology, and abdominal surgeries became major services.
  • Eira Medical Center was established, broadening the service range.
  • 1974: Finland’s first vascular laboratory was founded at Eira, focusing on studying blood flow in lower limb arteries.
  • 1976: Occupational health services were launched for companies and their employees.

• 1980s:
  • 1985: An impotence laboratory was established, specializing in prostate issues.
  • 1988: Palliative home care services were launched. Eira Hospital, together with the Cancer Society of Southern Finland, established the Terho Foundation to provide end-of-life care. In 1994, Terhokoti moved from the hospital to its own premises.

• 1990s:
  • Since 1996, eye surgeries have been performed at Eira Eye Clinic.
  • The clinic is known for its skilled staff and advanced technology.
  • Eira also provides a wide range of urological, orthopedic, and plastic surgery services.

Eye Surgery

• The SPECTRALIS® MultiColor imaging system was introduced, allowing for precise retinal examinations and aiding in diagnosing conditions such as glaucoma and retinal diseases.
• Minimally invasive SMILE laser eye surgeries were also introduced.

Bariatric Surgery

• Eira is Finland’s largest private hospital specializing in obesity surgery.
• Since 2009, we’ve performed gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy surgeries.
• We also offer alternatives such as lifestyle programs, medication, and the Orbera gastric balloon for patients for whom surgery is not suitable or timely.

Plastic Surgery

• High-quality plastic surgery has been performed at Eira for over 50 years.
• In the 2000s, the range of services expanded to include both complex operations and aesthetic treatments.

Vascular Surgery

• We specialize in varicose vein treatments, using modern methods such as laser therapy and foam sclerotherapy.

Unique 24/7 Inpatient Ward

• Eira’s inpatient ward is designed to offer a peaceful and comfortable recovery environment.
• Patients are treated in beautiful, private single rooms.
• The ward operates around the clock, staffed by experienced and compassionate professionals.
• Care is personalized and begins immediately after procedures—safely and under expert supervision.

Over the past decade, Eira Hospital has undergone significant renewal.

• At the heart of this transformation is the strategy to create “a different kind of healthcare company—one that genuinely and holistically cares for people.”
• We’ve focused on enhancing patient comfort and continually improving the customer experience.
• Maintaining our facilities has been key to improving comfort for both patients and doctors.
• Employee wellbeing has also been a priority, as staff satisfaction in the service sector directly affects service quality.
• Investing in new medical equipment has been essential to our development.
• Our range of services has expanded considerably, with health clubs such as Eira Terveysklubi gaining great popularity.
• Without investments in data security and privacy—essential in today’s increasingly insecure digital landscape—we would not have succeeded.

Now, as we turn 120, we look forward with enthusiasm to the next 120 years.