Photos Courtesy Laniado Hospital
Despite violence and attacks happening across the world, an incredible hospital in Israel is seeing past barriers and instead focusing on inclusion and tolerance – for all who are ill. This is exactly one of the many reasons why The Sanz Medical Center-Laniado Hospital is known as the “hospital with a heart.”
The vision of Holocaust Survivor Rabbi Yekusiel Yehudah Halberstam, Laniado Hospital in the beachside city of Netanya serves more than 350,000 Jews, Christians, Muslims and Druze. Rabbi Halberstam was seriously hurt during a Holocaust Death March between Warsaw and Dachau in 1944. It was then that he made a vow to Hashem that if he survived, he would build a hospital in Israel where anyone requesting medical attention would never be turned away. And that’s precisely what he did.
Opened in 1976, today Laniado is an impressive modern and highly advanced medical center with expertise in almost all major-medical disciplines. Its 54 departments and units are run by 1,750 employees, all of whom follow a set of principles that place the dignity of its diverse population of patients first, regardless of race, religion, age or ability to pay. Laniado is also the only hospital in Israel whose devoted staff hasn’t participated in any strikes affecting Israeli’s healthcare system.
“Thanks to the ‘angels’ of the Sanz Medical Center-Laniado Hospital, I am still here,” says Raya Shalev, a patient treated in the Laniado Oncology Department. “While I was undergoing intense chemotherapy treatment and had to be in isolation, I was treated professionally by people who understood what it was like to have the earth fall away beneath your feet. I felt that they were the source of my healing. I will always be grateful to the doctors, nurses and all the support staff for helping me through this difficult time.”
“We partner with our patients, and are with them every step of the way: from acute, life-threatening situations to ongoing programs and follow-up to ensure improved cardiac health,” says Ron Joseph Leor-Librach, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Goldhamer Heart Institute. “We are committed to giving our patients the best care that modern medicine has to offer.”
In addition to Laniado’s medical and surgical departments, its growing medical complex also features diagnostic, therapeutic and research facilities, a synagogue, an ambulatory care program, a three-story Geriatric and Rehabilitation Center, a state-of the art Children’s Hospital, an all-inclusive Diabetes Center and an award-winning School of Nursing.
“The graduates of our School of Nursing are so accomplished and in such high demand that they all have positions set up before they even graduate,” boasts Laniado International Public Relations and Fundraising Manager Shlomo Pinkus. “And what’s special about out Geriatric Center is that we have an average patient age that’s 15 years older than other hospitals. And, our comprehensive Diabetes Center is really unique. Patients receive a full-body screening including vision, blood work, heart and even nutrition testing. The results are available the same day, provided in a private meeting with the head of the Center who personally reviews their full medical record to determine the best personal treatment option for them. We don’t just provide treatment, we care and it shows.”
“Another main area of expertise is the hospital’s birthing unit and women’s health department,” explains Shlomo. “People come from over an hour away just for the unsurpassed care they receive here.”
“We chose the Sanz Medical Center-Laniado Hospital because of that extra special care and respect we knew we would receive here … and that made our birth even more special,” says Dana Weinberger, a patient from Tel Aviv. “We don’t even live in the immediate area, and could have chosen to deliver at one of the major-medical centers in the Tel Aviv region closer to home. But it was worth it, and the birth of our first child was so much more special here at Laniado Hospital.”
Laniado Hospital’s Emergency Department and Trauma Unit is known for its outstanding performance and has received several recognitions from the Army’s Home Front Command and the Health Ministry’s Division of Disaster Medicine. “The Sanz Medical Center-Laniado Hospital is an excellent institution where they know how to do their work properly,” remarks Prof. Avi Yisraeli, Director General, Israel Ministry of Health. “The residents of the area can rest assured that they will get the best treatment possible.”
Laniado’s research facilities have numerous physicians and scientists working on a wide range of clinical research studies in an effort to improve and discover new methods for treating and preventing disease. In fact, it was three senior Laniado physicians who discovered a successful treatment for the West Nile Virus – the only known cure for the neurologic complications of this disease. And in collaboration with a bio-medical start-up company, Laniado is actively pursuing the development of groundbreaking stem cell therapy.
Since 2010, Laniado’s research laboratory has tripled its facility size. With its state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technologies, Laniado Hospital is now planning yet another expansion to continue offering its world-class treatment with patient comfort in mind. Plans include a 40,000 square-meter tower with a trauma center, offices, auditorium and three-floor underground hospital.
With all that it offers, it’s clear why Laniado is recognized throughout Israel for its unparalleled quality medical and patient care. “Every human life is precious,” says Claude Picard, M.D., Director of the Orthopedic Department. “And we do everything in our power to sanctify life –every day and for every single person who comes through our doors asking for help.”
To request a tour of the hospital, arrange a private meeting or a public speaking engagement in your community, contact Shlomo Pinkus at spinkus@laniado.org.il
To learn more about the hospital or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.laniadohospital.org
