Placing patient and employee needs first has always been a priority at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam), Northern Israel’s largest referral hospital. The news has been full of the hospital’s preparations for war casualties. However, placing others first is something both the hospital administration and Israelis in general take seriously.
Located in Haifa, Israel, Rambam has a long history of serving the community, dating back to pre-State days. During the British Mandate, doctors helped smuggle Jewish Holocaust survivors into Israel. Medical research is a top priority, as well as facilitating advanced educational opportunities for its employees. It is no secret that Rambam is home to Sammy Ofer Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital, the largest facility of its kind in the world, able to receive up to 2,000 casualties of a natural or man-made mass casualty situation. But what is lesser known, is how Rambam and people in the community are focused on meeting the needs of employees and patients in ways that are not to be taken for granted.
Rambam's emergency daycare center
While the hospital has been preparing for war and ensuring that all elective activities remain operational, the educational system has been shut down throughout the country. With employees working above and beyond the call of duty, the hospital’s response was to open a daycare center on the Rambam campus for their children, ages 3–14.
The center, organized by Rambam's Departments of Welfare and Human Resources has been caring for hundreds of children each day. The Haifa municipality kindergarten staff joined in to work at the center, in addition to dozens of volunteers, medical students, and teenagers. Parents brought their children to the center and then picked them up when their shift ended – in a stress-free environment.
Different classes were set up, based on age groups and the children enjoyed a number of various activities including both a magic and a music show. Another fun activity involved having the children paint pictures for IDF soldiers stationed at both the south and the northern borders – a small way to support them and say “thank you.”
Children enjoying one of many activities at Rambam's emergency day care center.
Photography: RHCC
The center remained open for more than a week, while the education system was closed. This week, students began studying via zoom; they will hopefully return to their usual classrooms in a few days (in accordance to orders from Israel’s Home Front Command). However, should the situation change, the day care center will be reopened.
Only love wins
Much has been said in recent days about the unity and cohesion appearing between Israeli citizens everywhere. One such moving moment happened yesterday (Saturday, October 14) at Rambam. A woman set up a hug stand in the plaza next to the hospital’s main building, for giving a big and caring hug to all in need of and wanting one.
Free hugs stand at Rambam. Photography: RHCC
“We are used to being on the caring, giving side, this is our mission,” a Rambam employee shared, “When we see such exciting initiatives, we realize how much the spirit of giving is an inseparable part of our people. It strengthens us all.”
A big thank you to every person who has been part of giving back to Rambam’s staff.