EIB Invests €100M in Finland’s Laakso Joint Hospital: A Game-Changer for Healthcare in Helsinki Region

The Laakso Joint Hospital will consolidate critical healthcare services, including psychiatric and neurological treatment, geriatric and palliative care, and advanced rehabilitation programs.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided an initial €100 million loan to kickstart the development of the Laakso Joint Hospital in Helsinki, Finland. This funding is part of a larger commitment of up to €480 million from the EIB for the €1 billion project, which aims to transform healthcare infrastructure for the 1.7 million residents of the Uusimaa region. The hospital is slated for completion by 2030 and will integrate state-of-the-art facilities with improved access to specialized care.

A Cutting-Edge Healthcare Hub

The Laakso Joint Hospital will consolidate critical healthcare services, including psychiatric and neurological treatment, geriatric and palliative care, and advanced rehabilitation programs. The project involves the construction of new facilities and the renovation of two existing buildings to ensure a unified, modern healthcare environment.

Highlights of the facility include:

Specialized Units: Centers for mental health, neurology, drug addiction, and eating disorders.

Dedicated Care for Youth: Adolescent and children’s mental health wards, alongside palliative care units.

Streamlined Accessibility: An 800-meter underground tunnel connecting Laakso Hospital to Helsinki University Hospital for seamless patient transfers and integrated care delivery.

The initiative is a collaboration between the City of Helsinki and the HUS Group (Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District), showcasing a public-private partnership model focused on innovation and efficiency.

EIB’s Vision for European Healthcare

EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to enhancing health services:“Healthcare investments lie at the heart of the EIB’s mission to improve lives. The Laakso Joint Hospital represents a cornerstone for resilient and accessible healthcare, fostering innovation and advancing the well-being of Europe’s citizens.”

Technological Integration and Patient-Centric Design

The new hospital will leverage cutting-edge technologies and prioritize patient-centered care. Services such as virtual health consultations, advanced diagnostic tools, and telemedicine capabilities will improve accessibility and efficiency. The comprehensive outpatient center will offer a hub for mental health and neurology services, while integrating groundbreaking treatments for drug addiction and eating disorders.

Marko Virtanen, CEO of Laakso Joint Hospital real estate company, emphasized the importance of securing financing for the ambitious project:“This hospital project is among Finland’s largest, and EIB’s financial support is pivotal for its successful implementation. It ensures we can deliver a world-class facility that meets the needs of future generations.”

Strengthening Finland’s Healthcare Network

The EIB’s support for the Laakso Joint Hospital is part of its broader €2.5 billion investment in Finland’s healthcare sector over the last two decades. The bank has financed several major initiatives, from cutting-edge research hospitals in Helsinki to community facilities in remote areas like Rovaniemi.

Toward a Healthier Future: Vision 2030

Designed to address both immediate healthcare challenges and long-term needs, the Laakso Joint Hospital exemplifies Finland’s commitment to sustainable healthcare development. Upon completion, the facility will provide unparalleled healthcare access, bolster mental health services, and set new standards for geriatric and palliative care.

This project reinforces Finland’s leadership in healthcare innovation, positioning the country as a model for sustainable and inclusive healthcare delivery. It also highlights the EIB’s pivotal role in transforming Europe’s health infrastructure to create healthier, more resilient communities.