Houston hospital declares 'internal disaster' after water main breaks

Declaring a systemwide internal disaster helped manage ambulance and patient volume

A system-wide "internal disaster" was declared by the Harris Health System after a water pipe break at Ben Taub Hospital in Houston, according to an article on the Becker's Hospital Review website.

The hospital postponed some elective procedures, went on ambulance diversion status and assessed resources for relocating affected patients.

Ninety-one inpatient beds are out of service due to the water damage.

Declaring a systemwide internal disaster allowed Harris to manage ambulance and patient volume.

Read the article.

September 16, 2019

Topic Area: Safety

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