Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, also affectionately known as Schneider Children's, is the only highly specialized care hospital in Israel and the Middle East providing multidisciplinary, comprehensive care solely to children. Schneider Children's is setting new standards of medical excellence in all fields of pediatric medicine. Our highly trained and dedicated staff works with state-of-the-art equipment and a unique multidisciplinary approach ensuring that every child receives the best treatment available. As a center of international renown, we receive referrals from many countries in the region and further afield including Asia, Africa and Europe. Our international patients come from many countries such as Jordan, Turkey, Russia, Latvia, Belaruse, Ukraine, Kazakhstahn, Moldavia, Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Eritrea and the Palestinian Authority. At Schneider Children's, we make every effort to welcome our international patients and their families warmly and ensure their confidence in entrusting their child to our professional care. We believe that children who feel safe and secure, recover more quickly. When parents are close by and are actively involved in their child's care, treatment and rehabilitation are greatly enhanced. This is why we provide many services for our international patients. Information links: Information Desk Special Representative Medical Services Cost Estimate Visa Requirements Admission Telephones Kitchen Security For Parents - Amenities Helpful Facts about Israel Translation Medical Referrals Arrival External Affairs Post Office Chaplaincy Local Facilities Sabbath Arrangements Discharge Procedure Information Desk The information desk is located in the atrium on the 3rd floor (ground level). It is open daily from 07.30-21.00 for the handling of general questions about orientation, telephone numbers of departments and clinics, and information concerning various services. The main switchboard telephone number of Schneider Children's is 972-3-9253253. Medical Services Cost Estimate Schneider Children's Medical Center is a member of Clalit Health Services (Israel's largest HMO), and accepts referrals from all other HMOs around the world. Upon receipt of medical referrals, Schneider Children's will respond with a tentative plan for treatment, a proposed date for admission or an outpatient appointment, the name of the treating physician, and the Medical Services Cost Estimate. Schneider Children's grants credit facilities to health insurance companies outside of Israel. In these circumstances, a letter of guarantee of payment based on the tentative plan for treatment and initial cost estimate will be required prior to admission. Partial payment may be requested to cover anticipated tests at an adjacent medical facility. Following examination of the child at Schneider Children's, a confirmed treatment plan will be forwarded to the insurance company. Following the child's discharge, an itemized bill will be forwarded to the insurance company. Full payment should be received within 14 working days. Hospital charges are based on the type of treatment provided including examinations and lab tests, as well as hospitalization days. There are no charges for individual consultant fees. Patients not covered by an approved health insurance scheme will be asked to pay a deposit equal to 50% of the anticipated costs. Balances should be settled prior to discharge. Please note: The Medical Services Cost Estimate is based on a tentative plan for treatment, which can change following the child's examination at Schneider Children's. Similarly, even the confirmed plan of treatment can change during the actual treatment process, since it is impossible to identify all the factors that can impact on your child's diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Admission Upon arrival at Schneider Children's, you will be greeted by your special representative who will assist you through the admission process, which will include processing of confirmation of payment forms. This is necessary even if your child is covered by an insurance company since you are ultimately responsible for the settlement of fees. Please remember to bring with you all relevant documentation pertaining to your child's health coverage, such as policy and registration numbers. If you are paying your own account, you will be asked to pay a deposit equal to 50% of the anticipated costs of your child's treatment. Schneider Children's accepts payments in cash or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). The final account for your child's treatment will be prepared on the day of discharge. Who to Contact: Liora Siemion Director Admissions Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel Tel: 972-3-9253727 Fax: 972-3-9253067 Email: lsiemion@clalit.org.il Kitchen In keeping with the dietary laws of the hospital, all foods are strictly kosher and supervised by an official Mashgiah (kashrut supervisor). Meals are prepared under the guidance of registered dieticians who have specialized in the nutritional needs of children and adolescents. Hospitalized patients are invited to choose their favorite foods from a wide selection of menus, which includes such delights as hamburgers and French fries, pizza and ice cream. In addition, if children wish to nibble on snacks between meals, the cafeteria on the 2nd Floor and gift shop in the atrium on the 3rd Floor carry a wide range of popular products. Vending machines are also located at strategic places throughout the building on the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 7th floors. For Parents - Amenities Parents - or another family member - are welcome to remain with their child 24 hours a day. For their comfort, convertible armchairs are located at every bedside throughout the hospital, and linens are distributed for overnight sleeping. Each patient room has its own shower and washroom facilities. All parents staying with their children are given one hot meal a day at lunchtime, compliments of the Ezer Mizion volunteer organization, and also have the use of a private kitchen and lounge equipped with a refrigerator and hot water where they can prepare light snacks. Alternatively, parents may wish to eat lunch in the employees cafeteria located on the 1st Floor, which is open between 12:00-14:00. Vouchers may be purchased from the Cashier in the Admissions Office on the 3rd Floor between 12:00-13:30. Vouchers for Sabbath and Holiday meals may be obtained in advance from the Cashier, or purchased on the same day from the Secretarial Office in the Emergency Room on the 2nd Floor. Snacks can be purchased at the cafeteria on the 2nd Floor, from the Gift Shop in the atrium on the 3rd Floor, or from vending machines located on various floors of the building. Emergency supplies are also available from the Gift Shop including infant feeding bottles, pacifiers, pumps, newspapers, cosmetic and hygiene products, games, books, batteries and so on. An apartment is available for rent on the hospital premises for international visitors and registration must be coordinated and confirmed beforehand with the Admissions Department. In addition, 4 smaller family apartments located on the 7th floor are available to rent for a nominal fee. Each apartment includes two beds, a refrigerator, a kettle and table and chairs, and has private washroom facilities. Apartments need to be requisitioned beforehand with the Admissions Department. Who to Contact: Liora Siemion Director Admissions Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel Tel: 972-3-9253727 Fax: 972-3-9253067 Email: lsiemion@clalil.org.il The External Affairs Department also provides assistance to parents wishing to rent an apartment close to the hospital. Who to Contact: Ziva Caspi Director External Affairs Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel Tel: 972-3-9253742, Mobile: 972-50-7938638 Fax: 972-3-9253855 Email: zcaspi@clalit.org.il ; schneiderchildren@clalit.org.il Smoking is not permitted within the hospital building. Translation Many of our staff members speak foreign languages which increases the sense of familiarity and home. In addition to Arabic and English, other languages include Amharic, Russian, Spanish and French. In addition, our corps of volunteers is happy to assist in translation. All signs throughout the hospital building are in three languages - Hebrew, Arabic and English. Arrival Once you have made your travel arrangements, you will need to notify us of pertinent details, mode, time, date and port of entry. Schneider Children's will assist you in the event that special arrangements need to be made, such as ambulances, wheelchairs, etc. You may arrive in Israel by air via Ben Gurion International Airport, by sea, via Haifa or Ashdod ports, or by land, via several entry points in the east and south of the country. You will need to go through standard customs and passport control formalities. Taxicabs are plentiful at all points of entry into the country. Schneider Children's is about a 25-minute ride from Ben Gurion Airport. Post Office The Post Office is located on the 1st Floor (2 floors beneath ground level), where letters may be mailed or faxes sent. The office is open on Sundays - Thursdays from 08.00 till 15.00. A larger branch of the Post Office is located in the shopping mall on Jabotinsky Street and is open from 08.00-16.00. All post offices, as with all government offices, are closed on the Sabbath. Post offices are open in the morning hours on Fridays, from 8:00 till 12:00. Local Facilities A supermarket belonging to the Co-Op chain is located opposite the hospital entrance on Kaplan Street. Adjacent to the store is a branch of Bank Hapoalim with an outdoor ATM machine which accepts all major credit/debit cards and dispenses bank notes in Israeli shekels. A second ATM machine is located in the large shopping mall located on Jabotinsky Street, within walking distance of the hospital building. The mall includes stores and restaurants of every kind, as well as branches of the post office, banks and movie houses. Discharge Procedure Optimally, you will be advised of the pending date of your child's discharge at least two days prior to the event, so that you will have sufficient time to make preparations for your return travel home. Your special representative from the External Affairs Department will be available to assist you with arrangements. On the day of discharge, a detailed medical report will be given to you in English addressed to the referring physician including lab tests and imaging studies. You will receive full instructions from the discharge nurse regarding the continuing care of your child both en route home and thereafter. Where indicated, and if distances allow, you may be required to return periodically to the hospital for follow-up care, and you will be informed about the appointment made for your child. Alternatively, you may receive appropriate referrals to your local hospital for follow-up care. Payment procedures need to be finalized with the Admissions Department, who will provide you with confirmation that this has been done. Where indicated, medications will be prescribed for your child and given to you prior to your departure. Special Representative Families are accompanied by a special representative throughout their stay. The representative meets the family on arrival and assists them through the admission and hospitalization procedures. She is always available to guide, coordinate and provide information and assistance. Visa Requirements The State of Israel requires all visitors arriving for medical treatment to obtain visas. Schneider Children’s will assist you in ensuring you have the correct documentation for your application. For more information, please visit or call your local Israeli Consulate. To locate details of the office nearest to you, visit the website of Israel's Ministry of the Interior. Telephones We regret that it is not possible to use or receive phone calls from the nurses station in the hospitalization wards. There are many card or coin-operated pay phones outside departments and outpatient clinics, as well as at strategic points throughout the building. Telephone cards are available in the Gift Shop in the atrium on the 3rd floor (ground level) or from the Cafeteria located on the 2nd floor. It is forbidden to operate cell phones inside the hospital building, as their antennae frequencies may interfere with the operation of medical equipment. The main switchboard telephone number of Schneider Children's is: 972-3-9253253. Other important telephone numbers that you may need: External Affairs: 972-3-9253742/3718 Medical Referrals: 972-3-9253600 Administration: 972-3-9253770 Admission: 972-3-9253727 Emergency: 972-3-9253656 You may telephone the wards at any time and Administration during regular office hours, Sunday to Thursday, 08.00-16.00. The switchboard operates 24 hours a day, every day. Security A full-time security staff is on site at all times. Armed security guards are located at both main entrances to the building and carry out inspections before visitors are allowed entry. Regular patrols take place both day and night. In keeping with Israeli law, a fully equipped underground shelter is located in the basement on the 1st Floor. The shelter is capable of absorbing up to 700 (including critical care) patients, staff and visitors. Who to Contact: Rafi Jaacov Director of Security Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel Tel: 972-3-9253641 Fax: 972-3-9222995 Email: rjaacov@clalit.org.il Helpful Facts about Israel Capital: Jerusalem Official Languages: Hebrew and Arabic; other languages spoken English, Russian, Amharic and most European languages Population: 6 million Climate: Mediterranean Temperatures: Winter (December to February). Spring (February to June) Summer (June to September) Fall (September to December) Rainfall period: From October to March, although surprise showers have been known to fall in June Public Transport: Dan and Egged bus companies Israel Railways Currency: New Israel Shekel Exchange Rate: Fluctuating; $1 currently equivalent to NIS4.5; 1 Euro currently equivalent to NIS4.5 Newspapers: Local dailies in Hebrew, English (The Jerusalem Post and Ha'aretz), Russian and Romanian. Major American publications are available in English including The Herald Tribune, Financial Times, etc. Driving: On the right hand side of the road. International calling companies: There are four, all with competitive prices – Bezek, Barak, Golden Lines, Telecom Local Mobile Phones: Cellcom, Orange, Pelephon Israel Ministry of Tourism Outpatient Appointment Service You are invited to enjoy this unique service for making appointments in one of our Outpatient Clinics. The Appointment Service is manned by personnel who will be pleased to pay you personal attention and provide you with the appropriate service that you need. Through the Service, you may make appointments, change prior appointments as well as enjoy a significant reduction in waiting time. The service operates between Sunday-Thursday between 08.00-16.00. Tel: 972-3-9253210 Fax: 972-3-9253269 Medical Referrals Initial consultation regarding the child's condition and requested treatment can either be done by phone, email or fax. Copies of relevant medical documents and reports should be forwarded in English together with a cover letter preferably from the attending physician summarizing the child's current medical history and the medical problem. Return contact details should be included. Should there be costs incurred in conducting the medical review at Schneider Children's, such as evaluation of pathology slides or imaging studies, you will be notified of these fees in advance . As soon as the material is received, a medical review will be conducted with the relevant specialists, and you will be contacted with our response, usually between 3-5 days. The information will include a tentative plan for treatment, a proposed date for admission or an outpatient appointment, the name of the treating physician, and a medical services cost estimate. Please note that a confirmed treatment plan can only be provided once the child has been examined by a specialist at Schneider Children's. Who to Contact: Dr. Eliahu Wielunsky Deputy Director Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel Sunday – Thursday between 08.00–16.00 Tel: 972-3-9253600 Fax: 972-3-9247515 Email: ewielunsky@clalit.org.il ; schneider_children@clalit.org.il External Affairs The Department of External Affairs handles all matters pertaining to public relations, consumer complaints, contributions, donor recognition, marketing and special projects, as well as assistance to international patients and their families. This assistance includes coordination of your arrival and admission, the special representative assigned to you, short-term rental apartments and more. Who to Contact: Ziva Caspi Director External Affairs Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel Tel: 972-3-9253742 Mobile: 972-50-7938638 Fax: 972-3-9253855 Email: schneider_children@clalit.org.il Chaplaincy Schneider Children's has their own in-house Orthodox rabbi, Rabbi David Chaiyu, who is available at all times (excluding Shabbat) for assistance. Parents and children may talk and consult with him on both religious and medical matters. The Synagogue is located just off the atrium on the ground floor (3rd level) and is open at all times. Prayer times are indicated on the notice board outside the synagogue. Where possible, Schneider Children's will arrange to have representatives of the other major religions visit for consultation and support. Sabbath Arrangements The preparation of food for the Sabbath is completed on Friday. Warming of cooked food, including porridge, is conducted according to Jewish Law in the central kitchen and in the various hospital departments. Parents who remain with their children over the Sabbath, may obtain food vouchers on Friday from the Emergency Room and eat lunch in the cafeteria located on the 1st floor. It is also possible to order hot food from the "Darchei Yoel" organization. Hot water kettles operated according to Jewish Law are provided in the parents' lounge. Elevators operate according to a Sabbath schedule from the start of the Sabbath till darkness on Saturday evening, except at night. Volunteers in all the wards distribute candles every Friday afternoon. Due to safety concerns, only distributed candles may be used and these may only be kindled on the 3rd floor (ground level) in the atrium. It is not permitted to light candles in the hospitalization wards. There are no patient discharges on the Sabbath. Patients will be required to remain in hospital until Saturday evening after the end of the Sabbath.