Natural Disasters Add Challenges For Healthcare Facilities During Pandemic

Hurricanes, etc., can further complicate facility managers’ efforts to help contain COVID-19


Healthcare facilities are adapting their emergency preparedness plans during the coronavirus pandemic, according to an article on the Cleaning & Maintenance Management website.

Facilities in the Pacific Northwest had to also prepare for wildfires and those on the Gulf Coast for hurricanes. 

Leaders say previous experience and COVID-19 emergency preparedness helped them manage, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

In Washington and Oregon, the pandemic response helped them prepare for the fires. The Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, for instance,  evacuated patients through their statewide coordination center for COVID-19. 

However, Wildfires and hurricanes have a long-term impact on the pandemic as there might be a surge of COVID-19 this fall and spring since evacuees were in crowded shelters or grocery stores where social distance was hard to maintain, according to a New York Times article.

Read the full Cleaning & Maintenance Management article.

 

 

 



October 19, 2020


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Gaps in Nurses' Environmental Cleaning Knowledge Grow Amid Rising EVS Pressures

Environmental cleaning is crucial in preventing HAIs, but when the responsibility falls to those outside of EVS teams, problems arise. 


Ground Broken on the Southern Nevada Forensic Facility

Construction on the new secure forensic psychiatric hospital is expected to be completed in 2029.


Jackson Hospital Falls Victim to Third-Party Cybersecurity Incident

Jackson Hospital has no evidence that any personal information has been or will be used for identity theft as a direct result of this incident.


Making Healthcare Lighting Retrofits Work

Effective operational planning determines whether a retrofit project improves a facility or creates new problems.


Stadium Design is Reshaping Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals are turning to the sports industry for innovative ways to support healing and improve the patient experience.


 
 


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.