Hadassah Medical Organization marked a historic moment with the inauguration of the War-Wounded Department in the newly opened Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital. The state-of-the-art facility, made possible through extensive fundraising efforts by Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America (HWZOA), and Hadassah International, boasts cutting-edge features to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services.
The Gandel Rehabilitation Center, a national project initiated by Hadassah Medical Organization, addresses a critical need for advanced rehabilitation infrastructure, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict. The center, estimated to cost half a billion NIS, stands as a testament to the commitment of its major donors, John and Pauline Gandel from Melbourne, Australia, who head the Gandel Foundation.
Carol Ann Schwartz, President of HWZOA, emphasized the significance of establishing an advanced rehabilitation center in Jerusalem, especially in times of conflict, underscoring the organization’s 112-year commitment to Israel. Dalia Itzik, Chair of the HMO Board of Directors, celebrated the opening as a national event that will reshape the rehabilitation landscape in Israel, offering high standards of care and innovative treatments.
The Gandel Rehabilitation Center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a therapeutic swimming pool with a customizable floor, advanced cranes for patient mobility, computerized systems for range of motion measurement, and a cutting-edge walking laboratory. The center aims to provide holistic care, combining physical and emotional therapy, using advanced technologies previously unavailable in Israel.
Prof. Yoram Weiss, Director General of Hadassah Medical Organization, highlighted the foresight in constructing the center even before the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, recognizing the growing need for rehabilitation services. Despite the challenges posed by the war, the center is operational, providing specialized care for war-wounded individuals who require extended rehabilitation.
The newly constructed building spans 30,000 square meters and stands eight stories tall. With a focus on patient comfort and a hotel-like atmosphere, the center can accommodate both inpatients and daycare patients. The expansion from 40 to 140 inpatient beds and 250 daycare patients marks a significant improvement in the capacity to address the rehabilitation needs of the entire population, including those with neurological, orthopedic, and geriatric conditions.
Prof. Weiss noted that ongoing fundraising efforts are crucial to making the entire center fully operational. Despite the challenges faced during the war, the Gandel Rehabilitation Center stands as a beacon of progress in advancing rehabilitation services in Israel.
