The 2019 Hospital meeting is formed of two parts, and each can be booked separately via the link above.
‘Part 1: History and Hospital Summit’
Wednesday 4th & Thursday 5th September, 2019.
The ‘History and Hospital Summit’ includes an educational day at the Hospital of St John where delegates will see the operating theatres, clinics and wards in action, meet our staff, and hear talks on the history and current work of the Eye Hospital Group, including the Outreach Program.
On the second day, the first 38 to register will be taken on a guided visit of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, and the remaining delegates will enjoy a guided tour of the Mount of Olives. The group rejoins for an informal lunch and address in our Muristan clinic. Following lunch, we shall be treated to a demonstration and talk by the Old City’s most acclaimed silk and materials expert. We shall then visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre before enjoying a well-earned afternoon tea break.
In the evening, a special Gala dinner with the Board is provided in the grounds of the hospital.
The ticket for the ‘History and Hospital Summit’ (on Wednesday and Thursday) covers all guided visits, taxis to and from the Mount of Olives, and two lunches and dinners. This ticket is priced at £275 (with a discretionary rate for young people, medical students and nurses).
The ‘History and Hospital Summit’ is limited to 60 delegates, and early booking is strongly advised.
‘Part 2: Bethlehem Reborn’
Friday 6th September, 2019.
This is a separate educational excursion which takes place on the morning of Friday 6th September. It can also be booked via the link above.
The theme for the morning is New Life. Our bus departs from the Ambassador hotel at 08:00 am, and takes us on a journey to the Church of the Nativity. Led by expert guides, we shall learn of the history of the church and its role in the development and life of Bethlehem. From there we journey to the renowned Holy Family Hospital, where, by special invitation, we learn of the remarkable work of the Order of Malta and their legacy of maternity care to generations of Palestinian women since 1888. The Order of Malta is also a partner of the Order of St John, supporting our ophthalmic work in our new Muristan clinic in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The ticket for ‘Bethlehem Reborn’ is priced at £45. Guests will be returned to Jerusalem by 1:00pm, and will make their own arrangements for lunch.
The ‘Bethlehem Reborn excursion’ is limited to 55 delegates, and early booking is strongly advised.
Two further events will occur, these being a service of rededication at St George’s Cathedral, and a special reception at the British Consulate General. The dates of these events will fall between 4th and 7th September (tbd).
After costs are met, all proceeds from these events go towards teaching and training our young staff in St John Eye Hospital Group. Thus, at the booking stage, all guests are asked to consider making whatever donation they can in addition to the ticket costs.
In the unlikely event of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances (including political unrest), or personal mishap of any form on either of the above two events, unfortunately neither SJEHG or the SOA can assume any responsibility for inconvenience, injury or expense incurred. Thus, all guests are strongly encouraged to take out standard travel and medical insurance before arriving in Israel.
A ticket refund will be made (minus a small admin fee and any non-recoverable costs) in the event of such cancellation at any stage by the organisers. Guests wishing to cancel their ticket(s) prior to August 1st will receive a refund after cost(s) are deducted. In practical terms, this is likely to result in a 90 – 95% refund of the ticket price.
Please note that no ticket includes transport to or from airport(s), other non-specified transport, or accommodation.
Regarding accommodation, the Ambassador Hotel is a popular choice in this regard, being adjacent to the hospital. The American Colony hotel is 15 minutes walk away, and is another popular choice.
Israel is served by the international Ben Gurion airport; Jerusalem is 45 minutes away by shuttle or taxi.
Please check your visa requirements. No specific vaccinations are required.
