U.S. citizens help to open modern obstetrics ward at Holy Family Hospital
WASHINGTON, D.C. – 2007 was a milestone year for the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem and for the people of Palestine, especially in the Bethlehem district, the birthplace of Jesus.
After nearly a year of construction, sponsored by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and USAID, the departments of Neonatology and Obstetrics & Gynecology have moved to occupy the entire first floor of the existing hospital.
Of special importance is that the Holy Land Hospital takes its role on the social and medical levels to heart, especially for the poor and destitute expectant mothers of all religions by giving them the best medical care possible.
In 2007 the hospital saw an increasing number of expectant mothers with malnutrition and complex complications of pregnancy.
There is no charge for those who cannot pay for their hospital care, or any part thereof. “Love of our neighbor is the basis for our efforts,” said Knight of Merit Samuel Reggie, Sr. of Crowley, Louisiana. He continued, “One of our major themes is, the poorest in need deserve our very best effort.”
The Neonatology department was enlarged from a ten-bed unit to an eighteen bed ward in response to the rapid growth of occupancy from 66 percent in 2003 to 107 percent in 2006.
This department has become the referral center in the Bethlehem district, and beyond, for all infants who need intensive care. This comprehensive neo-natal intensive care unit treats premature infants and those with other major health complications – saving lives and building healthier future for families.
The Obstetrics department was faced with a dramatic number of deliveries, especially high risk cases, which led the Order of Malta Foundation Board to build seven new, modern delivery rooms and a two-bed intensive care unit for needy mothers. Holy Family Hospital is receiving almost all the premature deliveries in the Bethlehem district.
In September 2007 the hospital marked the 40,000th delivery, and during the year, out of 3,226 deliveries there were 79 twins, four triplets, two quadruplet’s deliveries and 51 premature babies with a weight below three pounds.
It is the firm belief that the risk of death due to pregnancy should not be different in Palestine than in the Western World... this is what Holy Family strives for and so far has done successfully.
The hospital and its care for the sick and needy mothers and babies is only one of the national and international projects which reflect the one-thousand year old history of the Order of Malta. Holy Family Hospitals constitutes, on one hand a modern, well-equipped hospital open to everybody without distinction of origin or religion, and on the other hand constitutes a haven of peace and concord, solidarity and co-existence between Christians and Muslims.
The Holy Family Hospital has been able to acquire the most modern and necessary equipment through the generous help of members of the Order of Malta and the generous donations of warm hearted friends everywhere.
Unfortunately, the operating costs always remain partially uncovered because there is no Social Security or health insurance in Palestine to assist with the costs of service.
Since the Holy Family Hospital turns no one away, but accepts each and every tiny premature baby or mother in distress, unlike other hospitals in the area, the hospital is more than ever dependent on generous donors far and near.
There are two Knights of Malta in the area who stand ready to take your questions concerning the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem: Samuel Reggie, 660 West 17th Street, Crowley, LA 70526, phone 337-783-6658 and Truman Stacey, 1802 Second Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70601, phone 337-439-8036. Donations to the hospital may be made by check payable to the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation, 1730 M Street, NW, Suite 403, Washington, DC 20036; phone 202-331-2494, or visit us at www.birthplaceofhope.org.
On behalf of those being served, we thank you all for your generous contribution regardless the amount of your gift.