Fresenius Medical Care Celebrates 40 Years of Lifesaving Dialysis Services in Sokolov, Czech Republic
In 2025, the dialysis center in Sokolov, located in the heart of western Bohemia, Czech Republic, is marking a significant milestone—its 40th anniversary. What began as a modest medical facility in 1985 has evolved into one of the country’s most prominent and well-respected dialysis centers. Now operating under the globally recognized Fresenius Medical Care (FME) brand and managed by NephroCare, the center has become a cornerstone in the treatment and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the region. Today, it provides critical, life-sustaining care to approximately 100 patients on a regular basis, offering comprehensive nephrological services that range from initial assessment to the preparation and administration of dialysis treatments.
As part of Fresenius Medical Care’s international network, the Sokolov center exemplifies the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals living with kidney failure. Fresenius Medical Care is the world’s leading provider of products and services for people with chronic kidney conditions, operating more than 4,000 dialysis clinics across the globe. In the Czech Republic, the Sokolov facility stands out not only for its clinical capabilities but also for its historical role in shaping kidney care over the past four decades.
A Pioneer in Czech Dialysis Care Since 1985
The dialysis center in Sokolov opened its doors in 1985, at a time when dialysis treatment was still a relatively new and evolving field in what was then Czechoslovakia. Under the leadership of Dr. Vlasák, who has served as managing director since the center’s inception, the facility quickly distinguished itself as a pioneer in renal care. In the late 1980s, the center became the first in the former Czechoslovakia to offer respite dialysis stays in the picturesque Ore Mountains. Between 1986 and 1990, patients and their families were able to access temporary treatment accommodations in this serene natural setting, providing not only medical support but also much-needed psychological and emotional relief. This innovation underscored the center’s forward-thinking approach, emphasizing the importance of holistic patient care well before it became a widely recognized standard.
In 1997, Fresenius Medical Care took over operations at the Sokolov dialysis center, integrating the clinic into its growing European network. This partnership marked the beginning of a new era of modernization and expansion, bringing with it access to cutting-edge medical technologies, international best practices, and a broader spectrum of treatment options for patients in the region.
A Holistic Approach to Patient Care
The center’s current services reflect Fresenius Medical Care’s global mission to improve the quality of life for individuals living with kidney disease. As Dr. Vlasák explains, “We provide comprehensive care for patients with advanced kidney failure. This includes presenting various treatment options and determining the approach that best aligns with each patient’s health condition and lifestyle. We also offer support to patients who choose home dialysis.”
By offering multiple modalities—including in-center hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and home dialysis—the Sokolov center ensures that patients have access to the form of treatment that best fits their medical profile and personal needs. Home dialysis, in particular, has grown in popularity in recent years, offering patients more flexibility and autonomy in managing their condition.
In addition to clinical treatments, the center emphasizes the importance of supporting the emotional and social well-being of its patients. To this end, the clinic provides access to a multidisciplinary care team, including psychologists, social workers, and dietitians. Patients benefit from tailored nutritional counseling, which plays a vital role in managing chronic kidney disease, as well as psychosocial support that helps them cope with the emotional demands of long-term treatment.
“From the beginning, we’ve focused on creating an environment that promotes not only physical health but also psychological comfort,” says Dana Hrubá, the center’s head nurse. “Today, state-of-the-art equipment is an integral part of treating chronic kidney failure in Sokolov. But it’s equally important that our patients feel supported, informed, and empowered.”
Modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi access and a welcoming treatment environment contribute to patient comfort, helping to reduce the stress often associated with frequent dialysis sessions.
A Testament to Long-Term Care and Community
One of the most powerful indicators of the center’s impact is the loyalty and gratitude expressed by its long-term patients. Miroslav Karl, who has been receiving dialysis at the Sokolov facility for an astonishing 33 years, shared his reflections on the journey:
“I’ve been coming to the clinic since January 1992. Over the years, I’ve witnessed remarkable improvements in both the quality and scope of treatment options available. The technology, the professionalism of the staff, and the overall approach to care have advanced tremendously. I am deeply grateful to the entire team, who have not only enabled me to live a normal life but have also allowed me to continue working and enjoy life to its fullest.”
Stories like Mr. Karl’s underscore the center’s long-term commitment to patient care and its essential role within the local community. For many patients, the dialysis center is more than just a place of treatment—it is a source of continuity, stability, and hope.
A Legacy of Innovation and Compassion
As the Sokolov dialysis center celebrates four decades of service, its leadership remains focused on the future. With an ever-growing need for renal care due to rising rates of diabetes, hypertension, and aging populations, the demand for dialysis services is expected to increase. The center is already preparing to meet this demand by continually investing in medical technology, staff development, and patient education initiatives.
“We are proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past 40 years,” says Dr. Vlasák. “But we are equally committed to the future. Our goal is to remain at the forefront of nephrology in the Czech Republic, continuing to raise the bar in terms of treatment quality, patient satisfaction, and clinical outcomes.”
The anniversary is not only a time for reflection but also an opportunity to celebrate the dedicated professionals who have made this journey possible. From nephrologists and nurses to administrative staff and support workers, the Sokolov team has demonstrated unwavering commitment to patient welfare, even in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which placed extraordinary strain on healthcare systems worldwide.
As it commemorates its 40th anniversary, the Sokolov dialysis center stands as a shining example of what is possible when medical excellence, compassionate care, and innovation come together. Under the stewardship of Fresenius Medical Care and NephroCare, the center has transformed thousands of lives and continues to serve as a lifeline for patients in the western Bohemia region and beyond.
With a legacy built on trust, experience, and forward-thinking care, the next chapter of the Sokolov dialysis center promises to be just as impactful as the last. For the patients who depend on it—and the professionals who power it—this milestone is not just a celebration of the past, but a commitment to a healthier future.
