It appears that on Sunday 18 Kislev 5773, Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center will take over the capital’s ailing Bikur Cholim Hospital, bringing an end to years of uncertainty regarding the hospital’s future. The daily Maariv reports learning that in the “merger deal,” 70% of the hospital employees and 90% of the nursing staff will remain on board under the new arrangement.

The interim governing body of Bikur Cholim is less than pleased, accusing the Ministry of Health of keeping the hospital in the dark regarding the deal, one which officials believe is not in the interest of the hospital. Bikur Cholim is threatening a lawsuit against the ministry, calling the coming days “critical” as next week will bring a new reality, one in which there will no longer be any money to pay employees.

There is no response from Shaare Zedek or the ministry in the report.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)