Dr. Michal Steinman, head of nursing at the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva, will be involved in the care of hostages released by Hamas, who are arriving in Israel after over 700 days in captivity. The hospital has prepared for the arrival of twenty living hostages under an agreement with Hamas. This is the third time the hospital’s special unit has been mobilized to assist freed hostages following similar releases in late 2023 and January 2024.
During the recent visit to the unit, staff reviewed the identities of the hostages and discussed strategies for their medical treatment. Dr. Steinman indicated that there is no established “captivity medicine,” and the team is learning to navigate the complexities of the hostages’ physical and mental health needs. Past experiences with previous releases taught them to investigate the effects of captivity thoroughly, as many symptoms may take weeks to reveal themselves.
A multidisciplinary team, including nutritionists, social workers, and mental health specialists, will support the hostages. The unit is equipped to provide a calming environment for the hostages and their families, featuring private rooms with “do not disturb” cards and comfortable furnishings. Staff are encouraged to prioritize emotional needs, allowing time for the hostages to reconnect with family and process their experiences.
Karina Shwartz, the hospital’s director of social work, highlighted the importance of communication and the delicate balance needed in family dynamics during this recovery phase. She emphasized the significance of listening, especially when discussing traumatic events.
The hospital staff plan to continue medical and psychological rehabilitation after the hostages are discharged. They also advise the families to set boundaries with visitors, emphasizing the importance of personal space during the transition back to normal life. The staff’s dedication and willingness to volunteer additional hours reflect their commitment to ensuring the well-being of the returning hostages.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gvg8jx7gmo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss