Rabin Medical Center is one of Israel's largest hospitals, serving a large population with over one million patient visits annually. As the rains begin and winter comes to Israel, Rabin Medical Center is preparing for the possible onset of the swine flu virus in Israel, and the possibility that many people in the population may be affected and need to be hospitalized. Accordingly, Rabin Medical Center held an important drill to check the preparedness of the hospital in the event of such an outbreak. Two medical departments took part in the exercise, which simulated the simultaneous admission of a large number of swine flu patients to the hospital. During the exercise they supplied 50 patients with respirators, and gave extended oxygen support and special vacuum plugs to 20 patients.

The drill was supervised by inspectors from Rabin Medical Center's medical and maintenance departments and was deemed highly successful in treating all the patients. The hospital is confident that if necessary, the assisted respiration capabilities and other available facilities will allow Rabin Medical Center to handle a large number of swine flu patients at one time. It is to be hoped that the disease will not spread, but Rabin Medical Center is prepared to care for all patients requiring appropriate medical treatment.