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By, Hadassah
2 min read
ByA Charity Spokesperson, Hadassah
The unforeseen events since October 7, 2023 in Israel continue to take a heavy toll on the physical and emotional health of the country. There is a dramatic increase in the need for rehabilitative care among the wounded; hundreds will require specialised inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for severe physical injuries as well as psychological – for months and even years to come.
The Gandel Rehabilitation Centre at Hadassah Mt Scopus Hospital in Jerusalem, which was expedited to open last year January, sees patients with a variety of diagnoses: after a stroke, fracture, car accident, or from injury in an attack. Construction began in 2019 to replace Hadassah’s small and outdated rehabilitation unit; the only acute rehabilitation centre of its kind serving the entire Jerusalem area.
When the war began, Hadassah quickly established a dedicated department in the rehabilitation centre to treat casualties who arrived en masse, often after undergoing multiple, complex surgeries.
The nurses at Hadassah’s Gandel Rehabilitation Centre play an important role in helping patients after they have experienced traumatic events by providing round-the-clock medical care and emotional support.
Sarit Mezevitz Sonnenschein, Hadassah deputy head nurse in the rehabilitation centre, says: “When the war-wounded began to arrive for rehabilitation, all teams worked closely together in managing the increased admission of patients – nursing, medicine, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, as well as alternative medicine therapists and therapy dogs. ‘’
Sarit has treated many wounded soldiers from the war who, each in their own way, gave her strength by demonstrating incredible tenacity and a fierce desire to return to the life they knew before their injury.
Nurses in the rehabilitation department provide nursing support for patients’ physical conditions, but Sarit emphasises that emotional support also plays an integral part, which became clear with the arrival of the injured soldiers.
‘’Emotional support is critical. During the rehabilitation process, soldiers regularly went to the funerals of their comrades, while they were themselves going through such a tough and sensitive process – but we are here to make sure they are constantly supported and to treat those who experience any regression. Some soldiers would tell us their stories several times, and we understood their need to offload or when we needed to give them space’’.
Hearing their harrowing stories was not easy for Sarit, especially when her husband was drafted away from home for a long time for reserve duty. Sarit says that she is comforted by how the soldiers cope, despite their situation.
“I am encouraged by their heroism. Even when injured, they managed to reset and get back on track, and that’s their victory. Just like on the battlefield, they continue to fight for their lives, even while going through their challenging rehabilitation process.”
Sarit has formed strong bonds with the soldiers in the rehabilitation centre, many of whom are currently undergoing their treatment as outpatients. She personally connected with Aharon Shmuel Bryce, a soldier in the Armoured Brigade who was seriously wounded in Gaza.
Sarit talks about getting to know the soldier who inspired her: “Aharon came to us for rehabilitation when he needed physical help walking because the injury impaired his stability. He had shrapnel all over his body with deep wounds that required intensive treatment. Within a week, and mostly always with a smile, he was walking in the department independently.
“We connected and created a special bond because of our personal stories,” Sarit says. Even after Aharon was discharged, he remained in touch with Sarit, and their friendship continued after his recovery.
Aharon speaks highly of Sarit’s unwavering dedication: ‘’Sarit is a special person, a nurse of supreme grace. In such an intensive rehabilitation process, you need someone who will believe in you no matter what happens. Sarit was that person, always standing there by my side, showing a level of commitment that was truly inspiring.”
Hadassah UK proudly supports Hadassah Hospital.
020 8202 2860
uk.office@hadassah.org.uk
hadassahuk.org
Registered charity 1040848