“A society to provide care for the chronically ill.” Does that sound like something from 1894? Yet, that’s precisely when the Ezrat Nashim society, the seed of what would become Herzog Hospital, was established in Jerusalem’s Old City.
Today we stand before Herzog Hospital. It is a vital institution in West Jerusalem. It is more than just a hospital. It’s a place where the complexities of aging and mental health are met with expertise, compassion and care.
Herzog Hospital started as Ezrat Nashim. It was founded to care for those with chronic illnesses. Over time, it evolved. Architect Arieh Sharon planned the original building in 1961. Until the late 1960s, it mainly handled psychiatric cases. Since then, it has become a geriatric hospital. It treats the elderly and those with mental illnesses. It also conducts clinical research in geriatrics and psychiatry.
Herzog Hospital has 330 beds. About 70 percent are for geriatric patients. The hospital also offers outpatient clinics. These clinics address aging-related issues. The hospital uses advanced technologies and dedicated staff. Herzog Hospital strives to improve the quality of life for its patients.
A Snoezelen room is available at Herzog Hospital. It aids in the rehabilitation of geriatric patients. It also helps others. This special room stimulates the senses. It can improve abilities related to mental, psychological, and movement issues.
Herzog Hospital runs a unique program. It trains young Ethiopian-Israeli women. They learn to become nurses’ aides. This program addresses a shortage of trained personnel. It also encourages Ethiopian immigrants to join the workforce.
In 2006, Herzog Hospital opened a special unit. It’s the Children’s Respiratory Care Unit. Here, children aged three months to seventeen receive long-term respiratory care.
Herzog Hospital’s Resilience Unit is noteworthy. It develops psychotrauma programs. These programs use the vast experience of Israeli psychologists. They treat terror-related post-traumatic stress.
Herzog Hospital continues to grow. In 2012, construction began on a new medical pavilion. This added 240 beds to the hospital. This expansion demonstrates Herzog’s commitment to meeting the growing needs of the community.
Herzog Hospital is more than a medical facility. It embodies compassion, innovation, and dedication to serving the most vulnerable. As we move on, remember that the story of Herzog Hospital is one of continuous growth. It’s a story of adapting to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Jerusalem.