Holy Land: St Luke's Hospital

How it all started
St Luke's Hospital (named after the Biblical doctor and healer) was built at the turn of the last century by the Church Missionary Society (CMS). They had already established medical work in the area, which was incorporated into the new Hospital. In 1984, the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East took over the running of the Hospital and has continued to sponsor it to this day.

Nablus is halfway between Jerusalem and Nazareth, and is one of the oldest cities of Palestine. It lies between two mountains – Ebal on the north, known as the mountain of 'curse' and Jerzim on the south, known as the mountain of 'blessings'. Over 600,000 people live in the area, of which fewer than one per cent are Christians. The majority of the population are Muslim and a few are Samaritans.

In the early 1980s, the Hospital grew significantly and, in 1986, a new building was commissioned, which was inaugurated in 1994.

St Luke's is a general Hospital with a capacity of 60 beds. It treats about 20,000 in- and out-patients a year, performing almost 2,500 operations.
The aim of the Hospital is to enhance the welfare of the local community, and in practical ways to minister in Christ's name. It believes in the philosophy of holistic care, which encompasses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each patient.
The Hospital treats all who come seeking heathcare, regardless of race, nationality, faith, ability or financial status. As it aims to enhance the welfare of the Palestinian community in a non-commercial manner, it actively encourages those who are poor and in need to come and be treated.
The Hospital offers the community full-service medical care. It has the usual departments one would expect, such as surgery, general medicine, paediatrics, gynaecology and neurosurgery. It also has an Intensive Care Unit with a special section for babies and there is an out-patients clinic, providing a wide range of services.
There are modern x-ray machines and radiology equipment, and good aftercare services are given, especially through the physiotherapy department. The Hospital has a pharmacy, an eye clinic and also a laboratory.
The Hospital also runs community outreach programs, promoting health care and improving the health status of the local community.
There are fewer than 650 Christians in the Nablus area, yet the Hospital employs 24 Christians among the staff. In terms of the extended families that these workers support, the impact of St Luke's ministry on the Christian community in the area is therefore immense.

Location: Nablus, Holy Land Director: Revd Husam Naoum Founded: 1900 How it all started St Luke's Hospital (named after the Biblical doctor and healer) was built at the turn of the last century by the Church Missionary Society (CMS). They had already established medical work in the area, which was incorporated into the new Hospital. In 1984, the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East took over the running of the Hospital and has continued to sponsor it to this day. Nablus is halfway between Jerusalem and Nazareth, and is one of the oldest cities of Palestine. It lies between two mountains – Ebal on the north, known as the mountain of 'curse' and Jerzim on the south, known as the mountain of 'blessings'. Over 600,000 people live in the area, of which fewer than one per cent are Christians. The majority of the population are Muslim and a few are Samaritans. In the early 1980s, the Hospital grew significantly and, in 1986, a new building was commissioned, which was inaugurated in 1994. Current activities St Luke's is a general Hospital with a capacity of 60 beds. It treats about 20,000 in- and out-patients a year, performing almost 2,500 operations. The aim of the Hospital is to enhance the welfare of the local community, and in practical ways to minister in Christ's name. It believes in the philosophy of holistic care, which encompasses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each patient. The Hospital treats all who come seeking heathcare, regardless of race, nationality, faith, ability or financial status. As it aims to enhance the welfare of the Palestinian community in a non-commercial manner, it actively encourages those who are poor and in need to come and be treated. The Hospital offers the community full-service medical care. It has the usual departments one would expect, such as surgery, general medicine, paediatrics, gynaecology and neurosurgery. It also has an Intensive Care Unit with a special section for babies and there is an out-patients clinic, providing a wide range of services. There are modern x-ray machines and radiology equipment, and good aftercare services are given, especially through the physiotherapy department. The Hospital has a pharmacy, an eye clinic and also a laboratory. The Hospital also runs community outreach programs, promoting health care and improving the health status of the local community. There are fewer than 650 Christians in the Nablus area, yet the Hospital employs 24 Christians among the staff. In terms of the extended families that these workers support, the impact of St Luke's ministry on the Christian community in the area is therefore immense.		Director: Revd Husam Naoum

		A sick woman is cared for by one of the doctors.

		Two doctors prepare for surgery in the operating theatre.

		This is Nicu, with her son Omar, who was born at the Hospital. Because of complications with his birth, he had to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, before he was well enough for his mother to take him home.