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Hospitals reevaluating emergency plan in the wake of Katrina

Accreditation Connection, December 16, 2005

A survey conducted by VHA, Inc., a national healthcare alliance based in Irving, TX, shows that hospitals across the country are reevaluating their disaster recovery plans as a result of Katrina's aftermath.

Nearly half of those polled plan to modify their evacuation plans, seek alternative communication systems, and prepare for extended periods of self-sufficiency, according to the survey. Larger hospitals are more likely to revise their disaster plans, the survey found. More than 350 hospitals responded to the VHA survey.

"Katrina showed how fragile yet vital our technology and supply infrastructures are and how long hospitals may have to operate on their own in times of major disasters," said Curt Nonomaque, VHA president and CEO, in a statement. "Many hospitals are taking this time to evaluate their disaster plans to determine whether they are prepared to face similar crises."

According to VHA, modifications that hospitals are considering include
- establishing formal arrangements to receive food by helicopter

- adding a section to their disaster plans about how to treat patients when the hospital has no electricity or functioning communication devices
- identifying communications systems other than cell phones
- adding a better patient tracking system
- exploring alternate evacuation sites that are on higher ground
- developing a policy for volunteers during disasters
- purchasing more flashlights and installing rechargeable ones in the treatment rooms

VHA also gathered practical tips from its member hospitals on emergency preparation. You can find other helpful disaster response information on VHA's Web site at www.vha.com.

Adapted from the December issue of Briefings on Hospital Safety.

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