Many still vividly remember the successful completion of the central sterilization project at České Budějovice Hospital in 2022. At that time, a new pavilion was constructed with a total investment of CZK 1.15 billion and was equipped with the most advanced technologies available on the market, including MMM-brand washer-disinfectors and sterilizers.
As a part of the first phase of annexes and reconstructions of Pavilion CH, 12 new operating rooms were built for a wide range of medical fields—from traumatology and neurosurgery to gynaecology, urology, plastic surgery, ENT, and ophthalmology. A significant feature of the project was the new central sterilization unit, which was distinguished from the outset by a number of unique technical solutions that remain unparalleled within Czech healthcare to this day.
One of the key innovations was the implementation of an RFID chip-based system for labelling surgical instruments. These chips were applied to both new and existing instruments, greatly simplifying their circulation management. The staff gained an efficient and secure tool for tracking the movement of instruments, which saves time and enhances operational reliability.
Another innovation was the automatic loading and unloading system for steam sterilizer carts. Thanks to this system, the batch processing workflow became almost fully automated. In 2025, this system was further expanded to include the automatic loading and unloading of wash baskets for washer-disinfectors. České Budějovice Hospital thus became the first—and so far the only—healthcare facility in the Czech Republic to use this technology for both sterilizers and washer-disinfectors simultaneously.
A specially designed system for returning sterilization and washing carts enables their passage outside the sterilization and washing chambers, accelerating instrument turnaround and eliminating unnecessary downtime. This is complemented by a system of large display screens showing real-time operating statuses of the sterilizers and washer-disinfectors, including the remaining time for each cycle.
The increasing number of surgical procedures also necessitated an expansion of the central sterilization unit's capacity. In 2025, three new washer-disinfectors were delivered—UNICLEAN PL 15, UNICLEAN PL 30, and UNICLEAN ML 3120—bringing the total number of washer-disinfectors to ten. The project also included the complex task of moving technologies by crane over the building’s roof, strengthening the water treatment plant and the Dr. Weigert dosing system, as well as integrating the new devices into the RUMED 360 data collection system with visualization on the Dashboard panel.
Another major milestone was the ceremonial opening of the annex and reconstruction of Pavilion C on September 4, 2025. The construction was carried out by the consortium of OHLA ŽS and Metrostav DIZ between 2024 and 2025, with total costs reaching approximately CZK 300 million excluding VAT. The new space includes seven additional operating rooms and a resuscitation unit for the cardiovascular and thoracic centre, including a modern hybrid operating room equipped with an angiograph.
Pavilion C also houses a backup central sterilization unit (CS II), the technological equipment of which is scheduled for installation at the turn of 2026/2027. This will further enhance the hospital’s operational capacity and ensure continuity of care.
In 2025, České Budějovice Hospital was awarded the title "High-Quality and Safe Hospital", a prestigious recognition granted within the framework of a nationwide project evaluating healthcare facilities across the Czech Republic. Thanks to these advancements, the central sterilization department at České Budějovice Hospital continues to rank among the most modern and exemplary worksites in the country, serving as a key reference point not only for us but also for healthcare infrastructure across the Czech Republic.
20. 10. 2025
