Galilee Medical Center

25/08/2025

First in Israel: Use of Extra-Large Meshes for Complex Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair with Robotic Assistance
The Galilee Medical Center has recently implemented, for the first time in Israel, the use of extra-large meshes for the treatment of complex abdominal wall hernias, performed via a robot-assisted minimally invasive approach.
The procedures, conducted with the da Vinci surgical system, involve abdominal wall reconstruction utilizing meshes of up to 50 x 50 cm in size. The mesh is positioned across the abdominal wall, reinforcing the defect and ensuring structural integrity, while gradually integrating and being absorbed by the body over time.
These operations are performed under the leadership of Dr. Eli Kakiashvili, Director of General Surgery Department A, and a pioneer in robotic surgery in Israel, in collaboration with Dr. Gregori Bougouslavski, applying the Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR) technique. TAR represents an advanced surgical method that enables the placement of large meshes in the retromuscular plane, posterior to the abdominal muscles. Historically, such extensive mesh placement was not feasible in open surgical approaches. Today, the integration of TAR with robotic technology allows for this advanced reconstruction to be performed with improved outcomes.
“Previously, complex hernia repairs were performed using open surgical techniques with large incisions, which were associated with higher perioperative risk and increased rates of post-operative complications,” noted Dr. Kakiashvili. “Robotic-assisted TAR provides superior precision, reduced complication rates, and accelerated post-operative recovery, both in the short and long term.”
This development marks a significant advancement in the surgical management of complex abdominal wall hernias in Israel and positions the Galilee Medical Center at the forefront of robotic hernia surgery.il

25/08/2025

✨ Transforming Emergency Care in Israel ✨
Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel is proud to be the first in Israel to launch a pioneering pilot project in collaboration with Hian - Emergency Medical Services and the Directorate of Public Medical Centers at Israel's Ministry of Health.
As part of the “Information on the Way” initiative, an innovative digital system now connects Hian’s ambulance fleet directly with our Emergency Department’s information systems—transmitting real-time data on the number of patients, severity of injuries, and estimated arrival times.
This groundbreaking technology allows our medical teams to prepare in advance, allocate resources, and streamline life-saving interventions—improving continuity of care from the moment of evacuation until treatment.
The idea was first raised in a meeting between Dr. Tsvi Sheleg, Deputy Director of Galilee Medical Center and Head of its Innovation Program, and Hian’s leadership.
"Access to critical patient information and arrival forecasts can save lives, both in routine and emergency situations," noted Dr. Sheleg. "It was clear to us that integrating this real-time information into the Coview platform—used for command, control, and monitoring in medical centers—would provide the ideal framework for such a pilot. The Directorate of Public Medical Centers at the Ministry of Health was the natural partner."
Dr. Khaled Atalla, Director of our Emergency Department, emphasized: "Every minute counts. Having accurate, real-time information provides us with a critical advantage in both routine and emergency situations."
We thank our partners—Hian’s Founder, Dr. Ali Nama, and CEO, Dr. Tamer Nama, Yair Primak, Dr. Tsvi Sheleg, Tarek Gantous, Chief Technology Officer at Sigma Space, and Shelly Shalem, Chief Information Officer at Galilee Medical Center —for their vision and commitment to strengthening healthcare for the residents of northern Israel.
Photos: Hian ambulances at Galilee Medical Center ED entrance (Courtesy of Hian) & participants at the pilot launch event (Photo: Galilee Medical Center Spokesperson)
חטיבת המרכזים הרפואיים הממשלתיים
משרד הבריאות

18/08/2025

📌 New at Galilee Medical Center: Orthoptics Clinic – Now in the Public Healthcare System

Great news for residents of the north: there's no longer a need to seek private treatment! We are proud to announce the opening of a new Orthoptics Clinic at Galilee Medical Center, offering diagnostic and therapeutic care for both children and adults.
This service is offered within the public health system, and includes specialized eye exercises using the advanced Synoptophore device. This innovative tool both diagnoses and improves binocular vision, helping patients manage strabismus and other visual challenges.
The treatment can support: Better control of latent strabismus; Improved near-focus ability; Therapy for amblyopia (lazy eye); Rehabilitation of binocular vision after strabismus surgery.
The clinic is led by Dr. Irina Poznov, who brings over 40 years of experience from Moscow’s healthcare system, together with Dr. Elina Landa, a specialist in pediatric and adult ophthalmology and strabismus.
Together, they create personalized treatment plans and provide patients with tailored home exercises.
Dr. Relli Ovadia, Head of the Opthalmology Department, emphasized that this unique service, rarely offered in most hospitals, has proven clinical effectiveness and is now accessible as part of Israel's public healthcare system,
☎️ For more information or to schedule an appointment: 04-9107414

18/08/2025

National-Civil Service (Sherut Leumi) – A Vital Contribution
👇
At the Galilee Medical Center, almost everyone knows the long black hair, almond-shaped eyes, and constant smile that have become the signature of Batya Singson, who assists the nursing staff in the delivery room as part of her National-Civil Service.
Batya, 20, from Ma’alot-Tarshiha, belongs to the Bnei Menashe community and immigrated to Israel with her family from Manipur, in northeast India.
Coming from a close-knit community and having studied in a religious ulpana (girls’ seminary), her National Service at our medical center gave her the first real opportunity to experience “the world outside.”
“It feels good to be here. I’ve met new people, developed a steady routine, and even improved my Hebrew. The team here is amazing—they welcomed me with open arms, and I’ll be sad to leave,” says Batya, who carries out office work, answers phones, distributes supplies, and runs errands.
This is Batya’s second and final year of National-Civil Service, a tradition that has been part of the Galilee Medical Center for more than 40 years. Each year, young women and men who join us through this program contribute to many departments—supporting medical and nursing teams, assisting with administration, and fulfilling other important roles.
On September 1, a new group of National-Civil Service volunteers will begin their year of service.
For more details and to connect with the organizations involved, visit the National-Civil Service Authority website:
https://www.gov.il/en/departments/authority_for_national_civic_service/govil-landing-page

13/08/2025

Pain-free and back on his feet!
At our medical center, a unique orthopedic surgery was performed to replace the ankle joint using a new-generation implant.
The patient, a 65-year-old man, arrived with advanced cartilage degeneration in his ankle caused by an old injury, which had led to severe pain and significant limitations in his daily activities.
The surgery, performed by Dr. Alaa Abboud (Orthopedic Department A), Head of the Foot and Ankle Service, was carried out in collaboration with Dr. Dan Prat, Deputy Director of the Orthopedic Division at Sheba Medical Center – as part of a joint initiative between the two hospitals.
During the procedure, an artificial implant replaced the damaged cartilage, restoring the joint’s anatomy and biomechanics – helping preserve its full range of motion.
Dr. Abboud joined our medical center after completing two prestigious fellowships at leading orthopedic institutions in the UK. While in England, he authored a chapter in a book published by the British Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.
Dr. Haim Shtarker, Director of Orthopedic Department A, stated:
"This is an important breakthrough for residents of the north. The innovative procedure preserves joint mobility, improves quality of life, and reduces pain. We have now joined a select group of leading medical centers performing this cutting-edge surgery, as part of our ongoing expansion of advanced services – both at our medical center and across the region."
He added that with the addition of ankle joint replacement, his department has now completed the full spectrum of major joint replacements, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, and hip.
📷 Photo: Dr. Alaa Abboud (center) during surgery. Credit: Roni Albert
המרכז הרפואהמרכז הרפואי שיבא תל השומר HThe Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer

08/08/2025

Tu B’Av at the Galilee Medical Center:
Married for 57 Years – and Volunteering Side-by-Side in the Operating Room.
For Miri and Yair Leskowitz, both 78, love and partnership extend far beyond their home life. For the past ten years, the couple from Moshav Regba in the Western Galilee has been volunteering at the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya. In the last three years, they have taken their commitment one step further—serving together inside the operating room complex as part of a unique project that bridges the gap between surgical teams and the families waiting anxiously outside.
“We’re the calming hands that help lower anxiety,” they say. “Our role is to be the reassuring face and quiet voice that families need during stressful moments.”
The initiative in which Miri and Yair take part was created to enhance and streamline communication between the surgical staff and patients’ families. They receive updates from the medical teams, check on the condition of patients, and deliver that information personally to loved ones in the waiting area.
“It didn’t take long for us to realize how important this work is,” says Yair. “We see firsthand how quickly anxiety levels drop when families know what’s happening.”
Miri adds: “We give families the feeling that everything is under control and that someone is always there to answer questions or deliver greetings from the recovery room. The appreciation we receive is incredible.
The couple arrives at the hospital every Thursday morning, taking part in this large volunteer effort with dedication and warmth.
“Families can be sitting for hours, tense and worried,” explains Yair. “When a surgery ends, we ask for the patient’s name, go into recovery to check on them, and return to update and reassure their loved ones.”
Miri and Yair met when they were just 16 years old and have been married for 57 years. They are parents to three children and grandparents to six.
“These days, people often give up on marriage too easily,” says Yair. “The secret is knowing when to compromise. If each person is willing to give a little, everything falls into place.”
Miri nods in agreement: “We’re from a generation that believed—if there’s a problem, work it out and fix it.”
Always a team, the couple has built their life together, raised a family, and now devotes time to helping others—hand in hand, in life and in service.
Pictured: Miri and Yair Leskowitz in the operating room complex.
Photo: Roni Albert
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Tu B’Av from the Galilee Medical Center.

05/08/2025

National-Civil Service: Essential and Impactful!
Meet Ohad Menashe, a 20-year-old from Kibbutz Cabri, who is about to complete two years of National-Civil Service (Sherut Leumi) in the IT department at the Galilee Medical Center.
"In my first year, I worked as a dispatcher. After about eight months, I felt I had reached a plateau, so I approached the unit manager, Shelly Shalem, and asked to take on additional responsibilities. That’s when I began splitting my time between dispatch work and fieldwork as a full-fledged technician."
Ohad says his interest in computers began during high school, where he taught himself the subject. "When I joined the IT department, I learned a lot on the job, and over time, I began providing technical support to various departments."
Now in his second year of National-Civil Service, Ohad works exclusively as a technician. “This year, I was given a complex project: upgrading the hospital’s medical carts. These are about 300 laptops mounted on carts used for medication distribution. Over time, I also started receiving requests to fix technical issues with the carts beyond the initial upgrade.”
During Operation "Rising Lion", when hospital departments were relocated to underground shelters, Ohad was granted permission to come in over the weekend to help service hundreds of computers across four different wings. “It was a challenging, interesting, and incredibly rewarding experience,” he recalls.
Ohad says that his time in National-Civil Service at the hospital gave him a meaningful routine, a strong work ethic, new friendships, and perhaps most importantly—a lifelong profession. “I met amazing people here and discovered a field I truly love and want to continue pursuing.”
For over 40 years, the Galilee Medical Center has proudly hosted National-Civil Service volunteers who contribute in various roles—supporting medical and nursing staff, assisting with administration, and more. A new group will begin their service on September 1st.
רשות השירות הלאומי-אזרחי

04/08/2025

Congratulations 👏
After leading the Physiotherapy Services at Galilee Medical Center for over 12 years, Adi Toledano-Shubi has earned her PhD from the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Haifa. She completed her degree through a publication-based doctoral track.
The study, approved by the Helsinki Committee of the medical center, was conducted in collaboration with the Physiotherapy Services. Dr. Toledano-Shubi expressed her gratitude to Dafna Livneh, who currently heads the department, as well as to the team members who partnered with her in carrying out the research-based intervention.
Dr. Toledano-Shubi recently met with the Director of Galilee Medical Center, Prof. Masad Barhoum, and presented him with a copy of her dissertation as a token of appreciation for his years of support. Prof. Barhoum congratulated her warmly on this academic achievement.
She also presented her research findings at the International Physiotherapy Conference held recently in Japan.
In Israel, around 1,000 older adults fall each day—a phenomenon that can significantly impact their health and independence. The central premise of her research is that falls in older age are not inevitable—they can be prevented through appropriate assessment and tailored interventions.
The study examined the reliability and feasibility of remote fall-risk assessments, as well as the effectiveness, safety, and adherence to remote training programs, compared with traditional face-to-face training. It also included a systematic review and meta-analysis of current knowledge in the field.
The findings indicate that remote assessment and training are reliable, safe, and effective, comparable to in-person interventions. Moreover, a hybrid model combining face-to-face and remote training may enhance accessibility, support long-term outcomes, and promote healthy aging.
Dr. Toledano-Shubi stated:
"In recent years, technology has become an integral part of older adults' daily lives. This research helps solidify the role of telehealth as a relevant, evidence-based therapeutic option for our aging population and an evolving healthcare system."

03/08/2025

What makes breast milk so unique, and why is it considered the best nutrition for babies?
Breast milk contains essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, as well as natural antibodies that help strengthen the immune system.
At the Galilee Medical Center, around 35 certified lactation consultants provide guidance in a variety of languages. Among them is Liliana Levitsky, a lactation consultant in the Delivery Room. She shares that in her native Argentina, it’s well known that breastfeeding immediately after birth helps strengthen the mother-infant bond. “This instinctive behavior—where the mother holds, embraces, and nurses her baby from the very first moment—stays with the child for life,” she says.
In the Newborn and Maternity Units, our lactation consultants inform new mothers that between the hours of 1:00–5:00 AM, there is a natural rise in the hormone prolactin, which supports milk production. That’s why breastfeeding during these hours is especially beneficial. Yael Nadler, a consultant in Newborn Unit B, emphasizes: “It’s important that breastfeeding be tailored to each woman—respecting her lifestyle, beliefs, and individual abilities. Breastfeeding empowers mothers and strengthens their bond with their babies.”
In the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), the circumstances are more complex. Moria Simna, Assistant Head Nurse, shares that all mothers in the NICU face emotionally and physically challenging hospitalizations. Despite this, they work hard to pump milk, knowing that breast milk provides the highest quality nutrition for preterm infants. “Together with the medical team and lactation consultants, we support each mother to reach the goal of direct breastfeeding by the time of discharge.”
Lactation consultant Nibal Safieh explains that in some Arab communities, new mothers may experience social pressure to breastfeed—along with outdated traditions and well-meaning but confusing “grandmother advice.” “Sometimes a young Arab mother feels uncomfortable breastfeeding in front of her extended family,” she notes.
This week, we’ll be marking with the theme: "Breastfeeding: The Healthiest Choice – Bridging Gaps and Building Resilience."
As part of the celebrations, a special event will take place on Wednesday, August 6, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the Women and Maternity Wing. The event will include lectures, one-on-one consultations with lactation experts, vendor booths, and special surprises.
אגף נשים ויולדות ע"ש רעיה שטראוס, המרכז הרפואי לגליל

30/07/2025

Congratulations to Prof. Chaim Putterman on being awarded a 1.5 million NIS research grant from the Israel Science Foundation (ISF) for his pioneering work on lupus (SLE)!
Prof. Putterman, Director of the Research Institute at Galilee Medical Center, is leading groundbreaking research into neuropsychiatric lupus, a severe manifestation of the autoimmune disease that affects the brain and mental health in up to 40% of patients.
His innovative study focuses on a protein called LCN2, previously linked to iron regulation but now shown to play a key role in brain inflammation. Remarkably, his research revealed that blocking LCN2 in mice eliminated neurological symptoms, and clinical data showed elevated levels of the protein in patients with neurological The study addresses the question of whether inhibiting this protein could stop lupus when it "attacks" the brain.
The research found that when the protein was blocked in mice suffering from the disease, the neurological symptoms disappeared. In a clinical study conducted by Professor Putterman, high levels of the protein were found in patients with neurological damage.
The goal of the study is to understand how LCN2 causes brain injury and determine whether it can be selectively blocked—before damage occurs.
“This grant will support further investigation into this promising avenue,” said Prof. Putterman. “Our findings could lead to a new, personalized treatment offering real hope to patients.”
In addition to directing the Research Institute and the Lupus Clinic at the Galilee Medical Center, Prof. Putterman is a tenured professor at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine at Bar-Ilan University, and he also holds academic and clinical appointments at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center in New York.
damage.
Photo: Roni Albert
הפקולטה לרפואה בגליל - אוניברסיטת בר-אילן
Bar-Ilan University

28/07/2025

A First-of-Its-Kind Emergency Preparedness Conference Held at Galilee Medical Center 👇
Last Thursday, the Galilee Medical Center hosted a groundbreaking professional conference titled: "Emergency Preparedness – Lessons Learned and Insights for the Future." The event, initiated and organized by Yoni Lerman, the hospital’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, focused on learning, connection, empowerment, and expressing gratitude to emergency response liaisons from every hospital department.
The decision to allocate a dedicated full-time position for emergency preparedness and to host such a conference reflects the Galilee Medical Center’s deep commitment to medical resilience in times of crisis—an essential approach in a country where emergency situations are not a distant possibility but an ongoing reality.
Israel has endured many wars throughout its history, but the challenges of the past two years—particularly the past 18 months in the northern region—have been unprecedented. The hospital has operated continuously for 450 consecutive days in its underground facilities, all while continuing to provide high-quality care to thousands of wounded individuals.
Prof. Masad Barhoum, Director of the Medical Center, opened the day with personal remarks:
“The speed with which you responded in the days and months following October 7th, and the professionalism you demonstrated, fills me with immense pride.”
The day continued with a series of compelling lectures covering various aspects of emergency management:
• Dr. Tsvi Sheleg, Deputy Director of the Medical Center, spoke about the challenges of the digital age and the development of a decision-support dashboard.
• Dr. Udi Bonshtein, Head of the Psychology Service, addressed the psychological toll on medical teams, focusing on stress and post-traumatic stress.
• Yoni Lerman, the event organizer, presented the groundbreaking work of Israel’s first fully operational underground hospital, which has since become a model for others across the country. He expressed heartfelt thanks to the emergency liaisons across all hospital departments.
• Major (Res.) Guy Kahana, Commander of RAM2, shared insights from his unit’s involvement in the "Iron Swords" war.
• Guy Dagan, the Co-Founder and CAO of ConSienta, delivered a lecture on the emerging risks at the intersection of cyber and artificial intelligence in healthcare.
The day concluded with Belal Ghanayime, the hospital’s Trauma Coordinator, who presented an overview of casualty admissions and care since the outbreak of the war: Approximately 3,000 injured treated, including around 2,100 war casualties and about 900 civilians.
The Galilee Medical Center expressed sincere gratitude and deep respect to all partners along the way: Home Front Command, RAM2, IDF Medical Corps, Magen David Adom, the Ministry of Health, and many others.
Looking back—and forward—there is no doubt that the Galilee Medical Center plays a pivotal role in the medical backbone of Israel during times of emergency.
This conference, a national milestone in emergency preparedness, marks another step in a continuous journey of commitment, responsibility, and innovation.
Kol Hakavod! 👏

27/07/2025

🎙️ In the latest episode of IsraelCast, the official podcast of Jewish National Fund - USA, Dr. Tsvi Sheleg, Deputy Director of Galilee Medical Center, speaks with host Steven Shalowitz about the hospital’s extraordinary humanitarian mission. From 2013 to 2018, GMC provided life-saving care to more than 3,000 injured Syrian nationals—hear the story behind this powerful chapter in Israeli medical history. 👇

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