2017 has been a fantastic year for Shaare Zedek and for that, I have to thank you, our supporters. Thanks to all of your donations, challenges, events and activities on behalf of our hospital, we raised over £1.8 million pounds in 2017. Over £1.53 million of this has already been used in Jerusalem and I hope you enjoy reading about the remarkable achievements of our doctors, nurses and researchers this past year.
The number of ‘firsts’ the hospital has achieved in 2017 is testament to the pioneering approach that makes Shaare Zedek the hospital of choice for our patients. We are very proud to have received several awards and accolades this year, most notably the Gold Standard accreditation
for “outstanding performance” from the Joint Commission International, who extensively reviewed all of our services last year. Shaare Zedek staff and supporters have always called us the “hospital with a heart”. For the JCI, an Independent body, to agree with this assessment is proof that your continued donations are providing the very best technology, expertise and care for our patients.
Looking to the year ahead, I hope you all enjoy reading about our new ‘Curing & Caring’ fundraising campaign, When deciding on a new major fundraising campaign, we wanted to choose a special project that would resonate with all of us based in the UK whilst ensuring we are making a lifesaving difference to the people who use the hospital every day. Our ‘Curing & Caring’ Campaign will support the building of a brand new Radiotherapy Institute, which has already won awards for it’s patient-centred design. We will also be raising funds for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the largest of it’s kind in the world, which is saving the youngest lives in Jerusalem and pioneering new approaches to the care of premature babies around the world.
The passion, dedication and generosity of our supporters will never cease to amaze me. I hope you enjoy reading about the efforts people have made in the past year and perhaps feel inspired to set yourself a fundraising challenge to help the hospital. Every penny in every pound can make a real difference. It is this message we are trying to get across to the younger generation as we launch the Shaare Zedek Kids Club. Our young supporters will ensure the future for our hospital is just as strong as the incredible support you have given us for over 80 years.
Thank you.
Simi Ben Hur
Executive Director, Shaare Zedek UK