Sandy Zilberman is one of the key coordinators of travel programmes for haemodialysis patients in Israel, accompanying groups of patients who wish to continue travelling safely without interrupting their treatments.
Over the past eighteen months, she worked closely with Diaverum Portugal to make a journey possible despite numerous challenges, ranging from logistical complexities to the uncertainties caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Thanks to her determination, commitment and ability to bring people together, a group of Israeli patients was finally able to travel to Portugal, receive their dialysis treatments at Diaverum Lumiar, and enjoy an experience defined by safety, hospitality and discovery.
In this interview, Sandy shares what motivated her to choose Portugal, the feedback from the participants, and why it is so important to enable people on dialysis to keep travelling, creating memories, and living beyond their illness.
1. What made you choose Portugal for this trip?
I chose Portugal as the destination for this trip with the patients after our first phone conversation, during which I felt I had found someone I could trust.
2. Do you believe Portugal offers all the necessary conditions to welcome and support dialysis patients travelling abroad?
For me, Portugal provided all the conditions needed to offer patients a personalised, comfortable and safe travel experience.
3. What impressed or touched you the most during your time in Portugal?
During my stay in Portugal, I was truly impressed by the warmth, hospitality and kindness of the people. I also admired the cleanliness of the streets, the welcoming atmosphere, and the beautiful places I had the opportunity to visit throughout the trip.
4. What was the patients’ feedback regarding the clinic and the treatments they received?
The patients were extremely satisfied with the professionalism of the entire team, the cleanliness of the clinic, and the warm welcome they received every time they arrived at the dialysis centre.
5. What were your impressions of the clinical team?
In my opinion, the entire clinical team is highly professional, knowledgeable, and demonstrates great understanding and compassion towards the patients.
6. Do you think you will return to Portugal in the future?
I am planning to return to Porto next year and, as always, we will organise all the details together well in advance.
7. Would you recommend Portugal to other dialysis patients? If so, what would be the main reasons?
Absolutely. I would recommend Portugal to other dialysis patients because I know they will find a highly professional team and people they can truly trust.
8. This trip felt particularly special. In your opinion, what were the main factors that contributed to making it such a memorable experience?
This trip to Portugal was my first experience accompanying patients on a long-haul journey, compared with the other trips I had organised previously.
From the very beginning, I could feel Marta’s determination to make this trip happen, despite all the difficulties we faced throughout the year, including the war and many other challenges.
Throughout every conversation we had, it was always clear that there was someone we could rely on. Marta was always there for us, making sure that every need would be taken care of—and that is exactly what happened.
I would like to thank Marta and the entire wonderful team once again for giving us an unforgettable journey. I look forward to returning soon to this beautiful country with more patients, once again counting on Marta’s professional, dedicated and tireless support.