‘Your loyal support will infuse hope into Israel’s patients in need’
FOLLOWING THE unprecedented attack on southern Israel, critically ill patients, many of the most challenging cases, were airlifted to Hadassah Hospital for urgent treatment. Since the horrific attacks, Hadassah has treated some of the most severely wounded IDF soldiers and civilians. Hadassah specialists, who are experienced in masscasualty response, have worked on the frontline helping to save lives.
Hadassah UK immediately established an emergency fund and, together with its partners, raised £300,000. Its contribution helped Hadassah to create emergency wards in the underground emergency hospital, built in just two weeks in the parking lot of the Gandel Rehabilitation Centre, to allow for extra capacity of patients in a safe, protected and fortified area. These facilities have enabled Hadassah to treat more than 300 patients, with 60 in intensive care.
GANDEL REHABILITATION CENTRE TO HELP ISRAELIS HEAL
● It is reported that more than 10,000 Israelis have been wounded in the war. Figures provided by the Defence Ministry indicate more than 6,000 of the wounded are IDF soldiers and members of the Israeli police and security forces, of which more than 2,000 have been recognised as permanently disabled, according to a recent Times of Israel report.
Israel is unprepared to deal with the increasing number of injured as the country’s healthcare system is significantly short on rehabilitation beds in hospitals and rehab facilities, especially in the north and in Jerusalem, which has a population of 1.2 million.
Sadly, the path to full recovery for some of the injured will be long and challenging. After surgery, patients will need immediate and extensive rehabilitation with Hadassah’s specialist rehabilitation team. Hadassah is preparing to grapple with the long-term requirements of patient care; however, existing rehabilitation infrastructure is insufficient, and this will only be exacerbated throughout and following this war. Even before the war, the need for more rehabilitation services in Israel was acute, but now it is vital.
Accordingly, Hadassah is expediting the opening of the Gandel Rehabilitation Centre at Hadassah Hospital Mt Scopus, which Hadassah UK is supporting, to address the growing need for treating war-related injuries. When complete, it will increase the number
There is an urgent need to complete the rehab facility
of patients the hospital can treat by nearly 250 per cent. The nearly 30,000 sq m centre will offer 132 beds, allowing Hadassah to serve 10,000 patients annually and provide vital services such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, and orthopaedic rehabilitation.
The first phase of construction is under way with the opening of two inpatient departments and the hydrotherapy centre last month. However,
there is an urgent need to complete the entire facility to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to the people of Israel. Hadassah UK is raising funds help to fast-track completion of the new Gandel Rehabilitation Centre, helping Hadassah meet the needs of a war-torn country.
As Israel and Hadassah are in a state of emergency, the number of critically injured patients arriving at Hadassah continues to climb, with more than 400 wounded having been treated to date. The hospital is not only saving lives but also ensuring each patient receives the best possible chance to reclaim control over their lives during their long journey of rehabilitation. This extends to hundreds of patients, including soldiers and civilians alike, benefiting from the exceptional care provided at Hadassah Hospital.
David Waterman, chair of Hadassah UK, says: “We are extremely grateful to our many generous donors who have contributed to our emergency appeal, enabling us to continue taking essential action. Your partnership has been critical to our ongoing efforts to offer lifesaving treatments and optimal care to Israel’s most severely injured. Your loyal support will help us alleviate the suffering of those injured and infuse hope into Israel’s patients in need. At this critical time, we urge our supporters to stand with Israel and Hadassah Hospital.”
Hadassah UK proudly supports Hadassah Hospital’s mission of peaceful coexistence, dedication to saving lives today, and finding medical solutions for the world of tomorrow.
020 8202 2860, hadassahuk.org uk.office@hadassah.org.uk Registered charity 1040848 Scan the QR code to learn more