Cornerstone ceremony for the Frances and Nathan Kirsh Emergency Department, Soroka’s new emergency department and trauma center.
Soroka Medical center is delighted and proud to announce that UJA-Federation
of New York has undertaken a capital fundraising campaign to help Soroka create an urgently needed new Emergency Room and Trauma Center. The campaign has raised $6 million thus far—$5 million gifted by the Kirsh family of New York
(in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary) and $1 million from several UJA-Federation donors. These generous gifts were matched by Israel’s Clalit Health Services, for a total of $12 million.
The cornerstone ceremony
took place on April 23. Members of the Kirsh family gathered for the cornerstone ceremony along with representatives of UJA-Federation of New York and Keren Hayesod, Be’er Sheva Mayor Ruvik Danilovich, CEO of Clalit Professor Ehud
Davidson, Deputy Director of Clalit Dr. Mickey Sherf, Director-General of Soroka Dr. Shlomi Codish along with other senior hospital directors and staff of the ER and trauma unit.
The Emergency Department at Soroka is the
most active in Israel, treating over 250,000 patients annually. The department serves the entire Negev—from Eilat in the south to Kiryat Gat in the north. Factors underlying the need to expand the hospital’s emergency services
include the relocation of Israel Defense Forces’ bases to the Negev region and the concentration of High-Tech and Cyber-security companies in Be’er Sheva, leading to a projected 30 percent increase in population.
Soroka
is just over 20 miles from Gaza, so it is urgent for the Emergency center to have adequate space to treat all of the military and civilian casualties in times of conflict. In addition, the department’s patients include victims
of industrial accidents, car accidents, tourists and IDF soldiers. During military conflicts and operations in the south, Soroka is at the forefront of treating civilians and the military.
As part of the expansion project,
the new space will increase the number of beds by 43, including two in a dedicated trauma room. Altogether, the new department will include 116 beds, with 8 in the trauma unit. Construction of the new department is expected to
be completed in 2021. This is phase one of a two-phase project. Additional-naming opportunities are available.
“It’s a mistake to thank us for the donation,” said Nathan Kirsh. “The truth of the matter is that we are lucky
enough to be able to do so and are privileged to be a part of this amazing complex that we are visiting today.”
“UJA-Federation of New York is deeply grateful to the Kirsh family and the other donors for supporting this
crucial project,” said Eric S. Goldstein, CEO, UJA-Federation of New York. “The expanded emergency department will provide best-in-class care to all citizens of Israel’s south, and will help strengthen the infrastructure of Be’ersheva.”
Dr. Shlomi Codish stated: "Soroka, as a leading medical center in Israel and as a tertiary hospital, is a strategic asset to the State of Israel both in times of routine and in emergencies. In order to fulfill this mission,
we have taken upon ourselves, Clalit and Soroka, to increase the infrastructure and expand our life-saving capabilities at the medical center. We appreciate and thank our wonderful donors, who allow us to continue to save lives."
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| Captain Ziv Shilon |
Captain Ziv Shilon, who was seriously wounded in a Hamas attack in October 2012 near Gaza and was evacuated to Soroka where his life was saved, spoke at the ceremony. The audience was moved by his personal story of coping with
his injury.
“I grew up in the Negev, so I am deeply familiar with the area”. Codish said. “Soroka is a leading medical center in Israel with exceptional achievements. Our devoted staff are the backbone of the health system
in the Negev. I am proud to have been chosen to join this leadership, and look forward to the growth and challenges ahead.”
