התרחבות משמעותית בנגב: המיון העמוס בישראל גדל ב-50%

The emergency room at Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva, the busiest in Israel, has undergone a significant expansion. The expanded Emergency Medicine Department, named after Francis and Nathan Kirsch, was officially inaugurated. The project added approximately 2,000 square meters, increasing the department's area by about 50%. It now includes over 40 treatment stations and two trauma bays, bringing the total to more than 110 treatment stations and eight trauma bays. This expansion aims to improve treatment conditions for Negev residents during routine times and enhance emergency preparedness.

The project was made possible by donations from Francis and Nathan Kirsch through the Kirsch Foundation, the UJA Federation of New York, and the Keren Hayesod - United Israel Appeal, in partnership with Clalit Health Services and the Be'er Sheva Municipality. The initiative was previously spearheaded by Prof. Ehud Davidson, former director of Soroka and CEO of Clalit.

The strategic importance of the Be'er Sheva emergency room was highlighted on October 7th, when it handled an unprecedented mass casualty event. Within 24 hours, Soroka admitted and treated 674 injured individuals, including civilians and security forces, many in critical or life-threatening conditions. Throughout the war, the hospital served as a primary medical front, treating the highest number of casualties in the healthcare system while continuing regular care for southern residents.

Yair Avital, a resident of Kibbutz Be'eri and commander of its standby unit, who was severely injured on October 7th and treated at Soroka, shared his experience at the inauguration. He 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 in cooperation between teams doing everything for every patient, even under impossible conditions."

Soroka Director Prof. Shlomi Kodish emphasized that life-saving decisions are made in the emergency room, where minutes can change a person's life trajectory. He noted that the expanded and fortified emergency room's importance has already been proven. Prof. Dan Schwartzfuchs, Deputy Director and Head of the Emergency Room, stressed the responsibility to build a sense of security and trust for patients in moments of pain and uncertainty. Yochanan Locker, Chairman of Clalit's Board of Directors, called Soroka a "strategic asset for the State of Israel," highlighting the need for continuous investment in infrastructure. Outgoing Ministry of Health Director General Moshe Bar Siman Tov praised the hospital's human element as a model for Israeli society, especially during times of division. Be'er Sheva Mayor Rubik Danilovich suggested that the inauguration ceremony would have been a more fitting location for the Knesset's swearing-in, so elected officials could witness the dedication and service provided at Soroka.

The expansion project included adding approximately 2,000 square meters and more than 40 treatment stations, along with two trauma bays. The total number of treatment stations is now over 110, with eight trauma bays. Construction work at the hospital is ongoing for further development plans.