Foreword
by Dr. Michael Moser
Member of the Management Board
For us, sustainability is not just a buzzword. Rather, it is our responsibility. And our strength. It makes us competitive and resilient and ensures our success. Both today and tomorrow.
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Sustainability in the business segments
coming soonHelios
Sustainability Report
coming soonFresenius Kabi
Sustainability Highlights
The smart future of healthcare
Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the healthcare industry – and Fresenius is leveraging its capabilities to enhance the patient experience and broaden treatment options. Smart automation processes are a key factor and we develop intelligent analysis tools to support medical professionals in areas such as evaluation of diagnostic tests.
We always protect the sensitive health data of our patients – in line with our guidelines, our Fresenius Principles, and all relevant legislation and regulations.
More time for patients thanks to AI assistance
At our Quirónsalud hospitals in Spain, we are optimizing the patient experience with Casiopea. This digital platform bundles important health information. A central pool of information gives doctors rapid access to relevant patient data and enables them to provide more efficient and selective treatment.
The Mobility Scribe AI system was integrated into Casiopea during the summer of 2024. The system was specially developed for clinical operations. It transcribes treatment conversations, creates medical reports, and suggests the prescription of medication and tests to be performed. Our medical professionals then check these suggestions and confirm them. The administrative burden is reduced to allow doctors to focus more on their patients.
In a successful pilot phase, the AI system was trained strategically to recognize complex medical terminology. The aim now is to expand the use of Mobility Scribe throughout our Spanish hospitals.
AI-supported decisions in everyday clinical practice
Professionals at Helios Germany are using artificial intelligence strategically to support medical staff in decision-making. But what is actually behind this? Professor Olaf Kannt is a member of the Helios Executive Leadership Team and Head of Medicine at Helios Germany. He gave us an insight into the background.
What are the benefits of using digital assistants for treatments? How do doctors “work together” with AI in their day-to-day work?
Professor Kannt: The major advantage of AI-based digital support is real-time analysis of big data. Physicians are simply unable to assess this volume of data reliably and at pace. AI can identify unusual or rare presentations more precisely. A key factor here is that AI only makes suggestions and gives advice – the final decision always lies with medical practitioners. AI can help save time in routine activities such as writing clinic letters or evaluating X-ray images. The results can then be used for specialist medical decisions.
Where is AI already being used?
Professor Kannt: Using AI in decision-making is a key issue for the future.
The first pilot projects looking at AI support in our hospitals include smart assessment of images (CT images in stroke diagnostics and analyzing mucosal abnormalities in endoscopy), automated generation of doctor's letters, as well as intelligent suggestions in the areas of diagnostics and therapy.
One such example relates to endoscopic bowel examination. AI can simultaneously look for abnormalities not visible to the examining specialist and highlight them for the doctor. Every important medical decision in our target scenario will be made with digital support in future. Ideally, AI will review all the findings in a patient, link the results with their historical health data, and make suggestions for further diagnostics and treatment.
Can you give an overview of the extent to which expansion of AI is being planned? What are the areas of application and development potential?
Professor Kannt: We are only at the very beginning of our AI journey in the field of medicine. At the moment, work is being carried out on a system to support decisions in our emergency departments. Depending on symptoms, presentation, and findings, AI will make recommendations for further diagnostic and therapeutic measures at every point in the patient pathway. I can see a lot of potential in AI-based evaluation of images of all kinds, regardless of medical specialties and processes, including ultrasound, X-ray, CT, MRI, and endoscopy, and functional examinations such as nerve testing, ECG, and lung function.
More efficient maintenance with AI
Our Fresenius AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE) came into being from the strategic goal to harness the potential of AI in a variety of business areas and operational functions. One of these applications is our AI assistant for supporting technical service. This is our first in-house development. The business unit Kabi MedTech collaborated with the Fresenius Corporate Development Office to create an intelligent system that bundles valuable expertise for our service staff. The system then makes the information accessible during work with customers and contributes to efficient troubleshooting.
Our employees can access manuals, professional publications, and technical instructions quickly, easily and in their preferred language. This aims to significantly increase the quality of potential service repairs and reduce the associated costs.
A particularly valuable attribute is that AI codifies the knowledge of experienced employees and makes it available for field service staff. The system ensures our service quality over the long term and puts innovation into practice. The tool has already been rolled out in the United States, and other countries will follow soon.
“AI simplifies our daily work and enhances quality and efficiency. Using advanced technologies empowers us to expand our services and help patients and customers in the best possible way. By exploring and applying new AI solutions, we are harnessing the transformative power of AI and shaping the future of healthcare.”
The journey of water in production
Water is essential for life on earth. As a healthcare company, we also rely on clean water being readily available. Curious about the role water plays in manufacturing our healthcare products? Visit a Fresenius Kabi production site to find out!
Clinical sessions: Online training for clinical professionals
In 2024, clinical sessions via online conference have acted as key meeting points for professionals at Quirónsalud. In line with Quirónsalud’s strategic vectors, these sessions enable continuous learning by specialty, as well as professional development. While contributing to the improvement of patient health and experience, they additionally strengthen the efficiency of healthcare processes.
These gatherings are a valuable opportunity to promote a culture of online networking and connect fellow specialists that would not easily be able to interact, due to the distance between hospitals. Additionally, clinical sessions provide professionals with a digital space that encourages communication and knowledge sharing, allows the exchange of experiences on the use of new technology, fosters innovation, and enables discussions on complex cases – in search of efficiencies and added value for our patients.
Target group: Who takes part?
These clinical sessions are open to those whose line of work falls within one of these five specialties: Gynaecology / Obstetrics, General Surgery, Paediatrics, Neurology and Traumatology. Management and access happen easily through “Quirónsalud University”, where professionals can find programmes sorted by specialty along with registration links.
One team, one future
This growing project boosts the participation of professionals in the company’s progress and connects them with innovation initiatives. It is a gathering place where all professionals can share their expertise and opinion. The sessions are part of the employee value proposition and align with the purpose of building a sustainable future for people’s health and well-being – together, as one team.
Up to now, the clinical sessions have had a good uptake among professionals. Some of them have evolved into annual in-person meetings, allowing for a closer connection between professionals, enhancing the establishment of networks and new projects.
Breakthrough success in breast cancer treatment
Fresenius is committed to researching and developing new therapeutic approaches. One current area of research is a worldwide long-term study on antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) in breast cancer treatment. We find out about the promising results and the potential of this new therapy in an interview with Professor Michael Untch, Chief Physician and Head of the Breast Cancer Centers in Berlin-Buch.
Professor Untch, around 1,500 women worldwide have taken part in the breast cancer study launched ten years ago and you treated some of them in Berlin-Buch. What are the most important findings?
Prof. Untch: The results are extremely promising. 90 percent of the women who received an antibody-drug conjugate are still alive after ten years, with no relapses or metastases. This is especially remarkable since these women suffered from a particularly aggressive type of breast cancer.
So, the treatment has helped patients who previously had an increased risk of relapse?
Prof. Untch: In fact, many of the women still had active tumor tissue in their breast or in the lymph nodes after conventional chemotherapy, antibody therapy, and subsequent surgery. The breast cancer is no longer detectable in nine out of ten patients who received the ADC drug additionally for a year. This is a real revolution and gives many patients new hope.
How do the ADC drugs work?
Prof. Untch: Contrary to the effect of other drugs, the ADC drug used in our study has a targeted effect on the cancer cells. The special drug consists of three components: an antibody that recognizes the cancer cells, a drug that destroys the cancer cells and a linker that connects the two components. The active substance is only released once the drug has reached the cancer cells guided by the antibody. This means that the therapy does not exert such a burden on the body as a whole.
Does the ADC drug effectively find the right cells automatically?
Prof. Untch: That’s correct. The antibody recognizes special features on the surface of the cancer cells and guides the drug directly there. This allows very strong drugs to be used without damaging healthy cells.
What do you see as the next big milestone in cancer therapy?
Prof. Untch: We are currently experiencing a competitive race between two therapeutic approaches. The competing therapies are ADC drugs associated with potentially less frequent use of classic chemotherapy and special vaccinations against cancer. Although the eventual outcome is still uncertain, the early detection of breast cancer is constantly improving and therapies are being continuously developed. As a result, we can offer the prospect of a cure to an increasing number of patients.
You can find more detailed information on the website of Helios (German language only).
Virtual reality training at Fresenius Kabi
With the introduction of virtual reality (VR) training at Fresenius Kabi, new employees in cleanrooms – a controlled environment designed to minimize airborne particles, microbes, and other contaminants – are able to familiarize themselves with the cleanroom setting in a realistic way before physically entering one. These VR training courses are not just an innovation topic; they also build the confidence needed to protect product quality. Melrose Park, U.S. was the first site to implement the system formally in 2022 followed by Grand Island, U.S. In February 2025, the VR Cleanroom Simulator was also implemented at our site in Graz, Austria.
Bringing the cleanroom to life: Initial experiences with VR training
The VR simulation accurately replicates the cleanroom environment, including machines and equipment, allowing employees to understand important aseptic manufacturing principles in real time. The result is a smoother transition to hands-on work.
“New employees have expressed positive feedback about the VR training experience. The simulation provides them with valuable exposure to the cleanroom environment and equipment. They feel more confident entering the cleanroom after completing VR training.”
A comprehensive training tool
VR serves as an interactive training tool that provides real-time feedback. The system immediately identifies mistakes and provides guidance on how to correct them. To ensure that VR training aligns with real-world cleanroom conditions, the modules reflect authentic manufacturing conditions and procedures used at our Fresenius Kabi facilities.
The VR training program offers, e.g., modules for proper wiping techniques, hand sanitization protocols, microbiology monitoring, and first-air concept. The latter refers to the supply of filtered air that should not be interrupted prior to contacting exposed products. If interrupted, the air could become contaminated again.
One of the most significant advantages of VR training is its impact on learning speed and retention. Compared to traditional training methods, the onboarding period has shortened, allowing new hires to become productive members of the team faster than before. This efficiency translates to reduced errors and a higher overall competency level among new employees.
A rising potential for cleanroom training
As VR technology continues to evolve, so does its potential for cleanroom training. The integration of VR training at Fresenius Kabi represents a significant leap forward in cleanroom workforce preparation. The role of VR in training is expected to expand further, making cleanroom education more effective and accessible than ever before.
“I see this technology only getting better and more customized which would really help for more in depth training of the operators; and of course it’s fun to do in my opinion.”
Nutrition – the key to human health
“You are what you eat.” This familiar saying highlights the importance of nutrition for human health. Food is our source of energy, nutrients, vitamins and trace elements. These ingredients provide us with everything we need to stay healthy and to recover when we are sick. As a healthcare company, we attach great importance to healthy nutrition – in our product portfolio and our hospitals.
Combating disease-related malnutrition with clinical nutrition
A variety of illnesses change the eating habits of patients and increase the risk of malnutrition. The causes can include lack of appetite, gastrointestinal complaints and altered nutrient requirements. Fresenius Kabi offers a broad portfolio of clinical nutrition products to prevent and treat malnutrition. The product range undergoes continuous development. The company focuses on the special needs of particularly vulnerable groups and people with serious illnesses, including conditions involving the digestive tract, and cancer. We also provide solutions for surgery, intensive care, pediatrics, and elderly care to provide tailor-made concepts for specific nutritional needs.
At the same time, Fresenius Kabi is also driving forward research in the field of clinical nutrition. The company is currently involved in around 30 relevant studies. In addition, the JUMPStart program awards research grants, and we cooperate with leading institutions such as the European Society for Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM). We also work with ESICM to confer the ESICM Fresenius Kabi Clinical Nutrition Award. This promotes research and medical education in clinical nutrition and intensive care medicine.
In 2024, the award went to a project investigating the effects of enteral nutrition during the day – i.e. food intake through the digestive tract. The project also looked at the impact of ketogenic fasting at night on postoperative delirium in critically ill patients. Delirium of this nature is a common challenge, especially in patients of advanced age in a serious condition. This state of confusion following surgery can be a traumatic experience for patients and their relatives. It is also associated with more severe health issues and fatal outcomes. Experts believe that sticking to a regular daily routine of eating and fasting – based on the body’s natural 24-hour rhythm – can support a healthy gut and help the body carry out important repair processes. Medical specialists participating in the award-winning study are investigating the role of cyclical enteral nutrition (12 hours during the day) compared to continuous standard enteral nutrition (24 hours). This approach evaluates patient-centered parameters like signs of delirium and status of cognitive functions.
United for Clinical Nutrition
Fresenius Kabi is running the multinational initiative United for clinical nutrition. This project is directed toward raising awareness of medical nutrition therapy. Educational measures, data collection, and clinical assessments in various regions are intended to reduce the incidence of malnutrition in hospitals.
Healthy nutrition in hospitals
Healthy nutrition also plays an important role in hospital settings. Nutrition is an important companion on the road to recovery. Good nutritional status can exert a positive impact on therapeutic success. It can even shorten the length of a hospital stay. In 2024, Quirónsalud implemented the “Programa de Alimentación Saludable” project, which aims to encourage healthy, mindful and sustainable nutrition in all facilities.
The aim of this program is to improve patient well-being and increase resource efficiency. Interaction with medical staff and suppliers is also to be further improved, as nutrition thus becomes an important aspect of treatment in the hospital. At the same time, relationships with regional producers will be strengthened, with priority given to seasonal, organic and local products.
Patients will be supported by specialized professionals in all processes and questions related to their diet from admission and throughout their stay. The menus are tailored to individual needs. The program is present throughout the food cycle as well as in vending machines and cafeterias.
Quirónsalud has collaborated with the renowned chef Iván Cerdeño, who has been awarded three Repsol Suns and two Michelin stars, to design the various menus and dishes. The innovations include the following aspects: higher variety of fish and vegetables, using pulses and whole grains and seasonal fruit. Opportunities to avoid food waste also play a major role in the composition of the menus.
With this initiative, Quirónsalud is pursuing the goal of meeting its own high-quality standards in the area of nutrition as well – providing holistic care for people.
Else Kröner Award: Excellent ideas following the example of a great entrepreneur
How are the Fresenius Principles put into practice during our day-to-day work? To show this, we created the Else Kröner Award in 2024. The award recognizes outstanding, innovative and exceptional initiatives by our employees that go above and beyond their routine tasks – in line with our principles.
Else Kröner (1925–1988), after whom the award is named, was an entrepreneur and played a decisive role in shaping the history of Fresenius. She developed a small pharmaceutical company into the global healthcare company we know today as Fresenius. Her life and work stand for innovation, quality, and responsible, future-oriented action – a legacy that we continue to carry forward in the company today and honor with the award.
More than 180 teams submitted their projects in the first year. They ranged from in-house developed AI tools to increase the quality of treatment to process optimizations and contributions to environmental protection.
The award is presented in the five categories defined by our principles:
This year’s winners were awarded by the Members of the Management Board at the Top Management Summit in Madrid.
A strong team for the future: How Helios Germany attracts new talent
What would a hospital actually be without nursing staff? There’s a clear answer: the hospital would shut down.
Helios is the largest hospital operator in Germany with more than 80 clinics, numerous other medical facilities and approximately 78,000 employees. Nursing staff are the biggest professional group. They contribute to maximizing the quality of treatment and patient safety. They also care for patients in all treatment phases.
The nursing profession involves a great deal of responsibility. It is very demanding and requires a dedicated work ethic, medical expertise, and technical acumen as well as crucial empathy with patients. This isn’t just a job, it’s a calling with profound significance. Healthcare professionals help fellow human beings get well again, save lives, and restore quality of life. All this provides the meaningful career sought by many individuals in their working lives.
Nevertheless, the market for nursing staff is highly competitive, partly due to demographic change. The demand for junior staff at Helios is high. Every year, over 5,000 people embark on their training pathway in 35 modern educational centers at Helios.
Rediscovering care: Inspiring enthusiasm for the profession
Helios has developed an array of ideas to attract the best candidates for nursing training. The company is keen to give potential applicants a realistic insight into everyday nursing. It is also important for Helios to explain the varied tasks and development opportunities presented by the profession.
In 2024, a creative nursing bet was launched on social media to attract more people to nursing. The aim was to generate at least 500 applications within six weeks. As part of the “Ask the Docs” video format, Helios published a short report on YouTube presenting trainees in their day-to-day work at the hospital. The objective was to get people of different ages interested in training for a career in nursing. The result far exceeded the target set: more than 1,600 candidates applied.
Helios also stands apart from other employers in the application process to identify future nursing professionals. Applicants can look forward to a guaranteed job after successful completion of training. They can expect payment in line with collective agreements and targeted support for individual talents from the very beginning. Helios also wants to be close to the target group and easily approachable in its communication.
Pop-up store inspires with proximity
Helios hospital Emil von Behring has launched the “Hallo Behring” pop-up store in a Berlin shopping mall. Anyone interested in healthcare professions could drop by the pop-up store to learn more about job opportunities in a relaxed setting. This initiative was based on the slogan “You don’t have to go to the hospital, the hospital comes to you”. Employees in different roles gave an outline of their profiles and the work they do. An offer like Speed Dating allowed interested individuals to match their aspirations and strengths with the potential roles. If there was a good match, initial interviews were held and the recruitment process was set in motion.
Inclusive part-time training for young people with a migrant background
With the integrative part-time training program in Hildesheim, Helios is also paving new paths and enabling young people from different countries to train in healthcare and nursing professions. To get prepared for the apprenticeship they receive dedicated language training and supportive integration services. The hospital’s integration officer assists these trainees for example in dealing with the authorities and finding accommodation. Additionally, at the Helios training centers, more than 700 nursing professionals from various countries also begin targeted training programs for their professional recognition in Germany every year.
Charting career paths: Opportunities for future leaders
Recruiting future managers at an early stage is also important to secure the company’s viability in the future. Six trainee programs have been tailored to university graduates. This leadership track prepares the trainees for their professional future as managers at Helios. One program is dedicated to nursing – Helios is recruiting trainees to become nursing managers.
Work shadowing and active involvement in our hospitals gives participants valuable insights on the job right from the start. This experience is extremely popular. Undertaking four to six assignments throughout Germany gives trainees sector-specific specialist knowledge, allows them to carry out projects with responsibility, and enables them to make important networking contacts. Experienced mentors provide them with support.
After successfully completing the trainee program, colleagues gradually take on responsibility and gain in-depth knowledge in the workplace.
“At Helios Germany, we rely on the best minds. To find them, we are taking new, even international paths and offering them attractive opportunities with us.”
