Looking for Trouble: How To Plan for the Next Crisis

Preparing healthcare facilities for natural and manmade threats

By Dan Hounsell


The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the ever-present challenges of planning for, responding to and recovering from a crisis. To achieve these goals, healthcare workers depend on resilient facilities and flexible, fast response times when the unexpected occurs. 

Facilities managers can mitigate a potential loss of services by prioritizing critical improvements and repairs to physical spaces before a disaster hits and having a fast and reliable construction strategy once it does, according to Health Facilities Management, and using a four step plan — assess, prioritize, align and enhance — can increase the chances for success.

Consider the importance of risk assessments, for example. Managers know the importance of conducting functional risk assessments of all potential hazardous scenarios that could be experienced by their institutions. The identification of external risks associated with patient surge, pandemics, terrorism, loss of utilities, acts of nature and other critical issues should include analysis and identification of any backlogs of capital renewal or aging infrastructure.



May 5, 2021


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Legionella Detected at Michigan Health Facility

Case follows a similar finding of Legionnaires’ disease in a former patient.


Crystal Spring Tower Opens at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

The new cardiovascular institute improves access and care across the region.


Hospital Evacuation Highlights Importance of Emergency Preparedness

Berger Hospital was evacuated after smoke was discovered in the basement.


Building a Culture of Infection Prevention

Investing in infection prevention can benefit healthcare organizations and patient outcomes.


Ground Broken on Sanford Health Fargo's Peltier Lodge

The 28,400-square-foot facility will feature spaces to support patients and loved ones during treatment and throughout their outpatient care and monitoring.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.