Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva Inaugurates Expanded Emergency Department
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
The Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva has inaugurated a significantly expanded emergency department, increasing its capacity by 50% with new treatment and trauma stations. This upgrade aims to improve routine care and emergency preparedness for Negev residents, a need highlighted by the hospital's handling of mass casualties on October 7th. The expansion was funded by donations and partnerships, and hospital officials emphasized its proven value in critical situations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva opened an expanded emergency department, increasing its size by 50%.
- The expansion adds over 40 new treatment stations and two trauma bays to the busy ER.
- The upgrade aims to improve care for Negev residents and enhance emergency preparedness.
- The ER's critical role was demonstrated by its treatment of 674 casualties on October 7th.
- The project was funded by donations from the Kirsch Foundation, UJA Federation, and Keren Hayesod.
The busiest emergency room in Israel, located at the Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva, has officially opened its expanded emergency department, named in honor of Francis and Nathan Kirsch. The expansion project added approximately 2,000 square meters, increasing the department's area by about 50%. This significant upgrade includes over 40 new treatment stations and two trauma bays, bringing the total to more than 110 treatment stations and eight trauma bays. The expansion aims to enhance patient care during routine times and bolster readiness for emergency situations for the residents of the Negev.
The project was made possible through contributions from Francis and Nathan Kirsch via the Kirsch Foundation, the UJA Federation of New York, and Keren Hayesod, in partnership with Clalit Health Services and the Be'er Sheva Municipality. The initiative was originally conceived by Professor Ehud Davidson, former director of Soroka and CEO of Clalit.
The strategic importance of the Be'er Sheva emergency room was underscored on October 7th, when its staff handled an unprecedented mass casualty incident. Within 24 hours, Soroka admitted and treated 674 injured individuals, including civilians and security forces, many in critical or life-threatening conditions. Throughout the subsequent war, the hospital served as a primary medical front, treating the highest number of casualties in the healthcare system while continuing its regular services for southern residents.
During the inauguration ceremony, Yair Avital, a survivor of the October 7th attack and commander of the Be'er Sheva standby unit, shared his experience. Avital, who was severely injured and treated at Soroka, described the compassionate care he received, stating, "At Soroka, I met good eyes, a huge heart, and real patience. You didn't give up and continued to listen to me and help me find my family. I saw capabilities not seen in any other system in the country, all through the cooperation of teams doing everything for every patient, even under impossible conditions."
Soroka Director Professor Shlomi Kodish emphasized that life-saving decisions are made in the emergency room, where minutes can alter a person's life trajectory. He noted that the reinforced and expanded emergency department has already proven its value. Deputy Director and Head of the Emergency Room, Professor Dan Schwartzfuchs, highlighted the responsibility to foster a sense of security and trust for patients in distress. Yochanan Locker, Chairman of the Clalit Board of Directors, called Soroka a "strategic asset for the State of Israel," stressing the need for continuous infrastructure investment. Outgoing Director General of the Ministry of Health, Moshe Bar Siman Tov, praised the hospital's diverse staff as a model for Israeli society. Be'er Sheva Mayor Ruvik Danilovich suggested that elected officials should witness the dedication at Soroka to understand the commitment expected from them.