Thoughts from our Chief Executive

Steady at the Helm and Gaza News

It is hard to believe more than three years have passed since John Talbot took over the Chairmanship of our Board.  The time has flown by, an indication of just how busy we have been. A time of mostly highs with a modicum of lows – the latter generally financially driven and beyond our control.  I take this opportunity of sincerely thanking John for his guidance, his wisdom and also his friendship.  John was well supported by his wife Esme and both will be missed.

We now welcome Philip Hardaker to the position of Chairman. He is, of course, no stranger to us as he has, over the past five years, been the Trustee with responsibility for all financial matters: A weighty position, undertaken with huge enthusiasm, endless energy and remarkable skill.  He has also proved to be an excellent mentor and was responsible for cultivating our financial team in Jerusalem.  We all wish him continuing success in his new roles as Chairman and Order Hospitaller. There are many challenges ahead and it is comforting to know we have stability at the helm.  Philip’s previous experience within the Middle East has, and will continue to be, invaluable.

During June we took possession of a plot of land in the University District of Gaza City upon which we intend to develop a much needed replacement Day Hospital and Clinic.  The land was signed over by the Palestinian Land Authority – a promise which goes back several years and has taken considerable time to be realised.  We will need a significant sum of money to allow us to plan and build the new facility, which is so desperately needed.  A fundraising campaign will begin in earnest in the near future and currently we are involved in serious discussions with prospective donors.  Watch this space!

I am also most pleased to report that our clinical activity, which readers will recall reached record highs in 2010, continues apace.  Our Anabta and Gaza Units are both experiencing very high volumes of patients and the staff are doing a fantastic job dealing with their ever increasing workloads.  The Group-wide targets set within our Strategic Plan are being met and yet there remains so much more we need to be achieving.

The challenges continue, and, with your invaluable help and support, we will succeed.

Chief Executive Officer, Rod Bull