Iran’s June 19 morning ballistic missile barrage on Israel ended with a direct hit on Beersheba’s Soroka Medical Center, decimating the hospital’s old surgical ward, causing widespread damage to other buildings throughout the complex and seriously injuring six people. With the aim of ensuring optimal treatment and continuity of care for those in need of advanced medical rehabilitation in a secure environment, Soroka has begun transferring all of its rehab patients to the Harvey and Gloria Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, a state-of-the-art facility specially designed to protect against nuclear, chemical and biological threats.
Established in June 2022 in partnership with the Israeli government, Jewish National Fund-USA and international contributors, the Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center has been instrumental to the war effort since October 2023, providing the highest-level medical, rehabilitative and emotional care for dozens of war-wounded IDF soldiers and civilians from the hardest hit communities in Israel’s south. Among its numerous safety features, the hospital’s Neurological Patient Ward is an actual bomb shelter.
“Three years ago, we opened the Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran to answer the urgent needs of the Negev’s residents and provide them with a real solution for rehabilitative care close to home. By design, our center was built to protect against all security threats and continue operating even during times of emergency,” said Major General (Res.) Doron Almog, founder and chairman of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran.
“This medical center is part of our contribution to Israel’s national resilience and the medical security of the region,” Almog said. “During this time of war, the partnership between medical institutions is more crucial than ever, and we are here to support each other and ensure that every patient receives the best possible care.”
Under the direction of Dr. Itzhak Ziv-Ner, the Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center specializes in treating patients following neurological events, orthopedic injuries and other areas of rehabilitation. The center includes inpatient departments, advanced treatment rooms and medical support systems tailored to each patient’s needs.
The transfer of patients began in the early afternoon in full coordination between the medical teams of the both institutions. In total, the Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center will absorb at least 30 patients from the Soroka Medical Center ahead of the weekend. ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran and Jewish National Fund-USA have launched an emergency campaign to secure emergency provisions, compensate staff members working additional shifts and hire supplementary manpower for the medical center.
By reimagining rehabilitation, ADIis advancing ability for all – empowering children, adolescents and adults with severe disabilities and pioneering cutting edge therapeutic and recovery services for anyone touched by disability. Since Oct. 7, 2023, ADI has provided the individualized care needed to ensure the consistent growth and long-term mental health of Israel’s most vulnerable citizens.
Donations can be made at: adi-israel.org.