The Refitted Multiple Sclerosis Centre Sponsored by Hadassah UK

While the staff of the Multiple Sclerosis Centre has reached amazing heights in its research with the results being published in the most prestigious neurological journals in the world, they have been working in a unit whose physical appearance and arrangement are years behind.  Now thanks to a generous donation by Hadassah UK, this unit will get a major facelift and reorganisation.

Currently the unit is made up of a collection of small, disjointed rooms on either side of a hallway.  The entire look is run down.  The rooms in their current configuration do not suit the needs of the unit.  Here are some photos of the unit prior to the refurbishment.

The hallway will be closed off to create a cohesive space. Rather than waiting in the hallway, a waiting area will be created. The department secretary will be visible to those entering.

The research coordinator’s office is poorly arranged and furnished. It will be reorganized with new, appropriate furnishings that will contribute to the job’s efficiency.

Current spaces for treatments are not sufficient and are old and out of date. The new space will have room for two treatment beds and two treatment chairs.

Aly, a blogger and MS patient at Hadassah, reflects on her time spent at the MS Unit:

”In my three years of regular visits to both Hadassah sites, I see astonishing changes each time I visit. One department that has seen massive progress medically but sadly not yet in its facilities, is the Department of Multiple Sclerosis. Hadassah is one of the world leaders of research into this life- limiting disease, and is involved in trials with patients aimed at significantly improving their quality of life.”

Aly says: ”The department is just one of many tucked away in a corner of the massive complex at the Ein Kerem site. Once you have mastered the conundrum of which building, you then wind your way past a narrow corridor. At the very end of this long corridor, sits the MS department. The waiting area allows for seating for around 8 patients and their carers, and the consulting rooms will only fit a wheelchair if you move a seat out to make room.”

”Many chronic conditions will require patients to visit a particular department regularly for the duration of their life … with such conditions there is often uncertainty and fear, which can be exacerbated by the physical conditions of your visit. I personally thank each member of the MS team for the care that they give to me and to all other MS patients.”

Hadassah UK has since sponsored the refitted M.S Centre. Here you can see photos of the new waiting room and centre entrance. The refurbishment will make a significant difference to both the patients who visit the centre and the staff who work in the department.