In recent days, Soroka University Medical Center in Be’er Sheva held a drill simulating the hospital’s ability to independently operate a full-scale blood donation system—without relying on Israel’s central blood bank.
The exercise was part of the implementation of a new protocol formulated after the October 7 attacks. Under the new procedure, the hospital activates a complete internal blood donation system—from setting up the collection station to issuing ready-to-use blood units—all within just six hours.
For such an operation to succeed, multiple systems must work together: blood bank teams, laboratories, information systems, medical transport, security and logistics units, and coordination with Magen David Adom (MDA). The drill ensured that in an emergency, all components of this network would operate quickly, precisely, and in full coordination.
A Life-Saving Operation
“In extreme situations, we may suddenly need a large increase in blood units—without being able to rely on external deliveries,” explained Prof. Moti Klein, head of the emergency headquarters and director of the general intensive care unit at Soroka. “In the past, we’ve seen the incredible willingness of visitors, family members, and caring individuals who come here wanting to help. This is how we can turn that willingness into life-saving action.”
Dr. Anat Gonen, Soroka’s emergency preparedness coordinator, said: “October 7 showed us just how critical it is to be ready at any moment—even for the most extreme scenarios.” She explained that one of the most important decisions made that Saturday was to request blood units from the central blood bank already in the morning. “It’s our responsibility to ensure that in real time, all systems function in full coordination—because preparedness means saving lives.”
