Rambam Hospital Defends Care of Wounded Soldier Amid Controversy Over Staff Conduct

Following public controversy regarding the treatment of a soldier severely injured in Lebanon and admitted to Rambam Hospital, Professor Yaron Bar-Levay, head of the hospital's cardiac intensive care unit, defended the medical staff and their care. He rejected claims of inadequate treatment, explaining that the soldier's condition has significantly improved and he has since been transferred to rehabilitation. Bar-Levay emphasized that the medical care was provided with utmost dedication and professionalism despite the challenging circumstances, including a busy intensive care unit with 18 critical patients at the time of admission.

The controversy arose after a family member of the soldier alleged neglect, including a delay in providing water and pain during routine repositioning. Rambam staff clarified that repositioning is a necessary part of care for severely injured patients and can cause discomfort. The family member also raised concerns after overhearing staff speaking Arabic among themselves, which sparked broader public debate about Jewish and Arab medical teams working together, especially in the tense period following the October 7 attacks and ongoing conflict.

Bar-Levay stressed that Jewish and Arab staff have long worked side by side at Rambam, regardless of ethnic background, and that speaking Arabic among colleagues is normal and does not affect patient care, which is conducted in Hebrew. He highlighted the shared commitment of all staff, including Arab employees who themselves face security threats in northern Israel, to provide the best care to all patients, including IDF soldiers.

The hospital conducted an internal review of the incident but found no fault in the medical treatment provided. Family members later expressed gratitude to the medical team, and other patients' families also voiced support for the staff. Bar-Levay concluded that despite the difficult and sensitive context, Rambam's medical teams remain united and focused on delivering high-quality care to every patient without distinction.