Hospital prepares to receive freed Israeli hostages: 'We are inventing captivity medicine'

Hospital prepares to receive freed Israeli hostages: 'We are inventing captivity medicine'
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The Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva is making final preparations to receive freed Israeli hostages from Gaza, as Hamas confirms it will begin releasing 20 living hostages on Monday morning. This will be the third time the hospital's specialized unit has become operational for this purpose. Head of nursing, Dr. Michal Steinman, describes the process as "inventing captivity medicine," emphasizing the unique challenges and the profound human spirit observed in previous releases.

Medical staff have learned to be "medical detectives," uncovering delayed physical and psychological symptoms that may not surface for days or weeks. Dr. Steinman notes that recovery is a layered process, with new discoveries about the hostages' well-being continuing to emerge over time. The hospital has adopted a deliberately calming environment, akin to a hotel, with private rooms, comfortable furnishings, and the option for family members to stay overnight.

The multidisciplinary team, including nutritionists, social workers, and mental health specialists, operates with flexibility and humility, prioritizing the hostages' need for space and time. Social work director Karina Shwartz highlights the delicate art of supporting both the hostages and their families, stressing the importance of attentive listening and allowing them to process their experiences at their own pace. If you like our content, don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel, NEWS TODAY.
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