Shaare Zedek UK exists to raise vital funds for the Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in Jerusalem, a very special place which has been in existence since 1902. Combining compassionate care with advanced medicine it is strictly non-political and does not discriminate on the grounds of religion, racial background or financial means. It is the fastest growing hospital in the region and continues to respond to the needs of Jerusalem’s uniquely diverse population.
The incredible work of the hospital extends beyond Israel to international disaster recovery operations, most recently in Nepal. It promotes collaboration between research institutions, including the prestigious Kings College, London and supports infrastructure in developing countries. One such initiative includes training Ethiopian doctors at Shaare Zedek through a sponsorship programme developing Ethiopia’s much needed expertise in paediatric medicine.
Shaare Zedek’s excellence has led to an unprecedented growth in patient numbers over the past ten years. In a city where 34% of the population are 14 years old or younger, over half of Jerusalem’s children live below the poverty line. Shaare Zedek was one of the first hospitals in Israel to recognise the need for specialist paediatric medical facilities. Our initial plans to expand our paediatric services were scaled up to accommodate the ever increasing number of patients and facilities needed. What started as a modest project to increase the number of beds in our children’s department has now grown to the impressive eight-storey Next Generation building, which is the largest development of the hospital in over 40 years.
Shaare Zedek is highly dependent on the generosity of donors to cover the cost of new infrastructure projects and new equipment. As the emergency medical requirements of Jerusalem grows we are determined to ensure that Shaare Zedek is ready to meet these needs and continue to pioneer expertise in all areas.