michelmond / Shutterstock.com

WHO Guidance Targets Healthcare Resilience

Document and checklists intended to help managers in terms of existing vulnerabilities and possible impacts

By By Dan Hounsell


The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged healthcare facility managers in every possible way, but it is just one of a string of emergencies and crises — from wildfires and rolling blackouts to hurricanes and active shooters — that managers and their teams need to prepare for to ensure their resilience. Increasingly, climate is high on this priority list, and now planning resources have arrived.

To reduce climate change risks, healthcare facilities need to be resilient order to anticipate, respond to, cope with, recover from and adapt to climate-related shocks and stress.

To aid in this effort, the World Health Organization recently issued Guidance for climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable healthcare facilities. The primary purpose of the document is to support healthcare facility managers and other health workers in establishing a baseline with regard to climate change resilience in their facilities. It also aims to inform the design of interventions to strengthen overall resilience and conduct vulnerability assessments in health care facilities.

This document and its checklists are intended to help managers in terms of existing vulnerabilities and possible impacts, and support them in taking appropriate action. Separate checklists are provided for a range of climate hazards, including floods, storms, sea-level rise, droughts, heat waves, wildfires and cold waves.



April 13, 2021


Topic Area: Maintenance and Operations


Recent Posts

On the Lookout: The Software Supply Chain as a Healthcare Cyberattack Vector

Staying watchful of third-party software vendors and their activities is critical for healthcare cybersecurity.


Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Clifton Opens

The Clifton center expands health care access in Passaic County by reducing barriers such as travel and wait times.


Suffolk Breaks Ground on Expansion of White Plains Hospital

The 10-story, approximately 500,000-square-foot expansion is slated to open in 2028.


EVS Leadership Culture Critical in Preventing Hospital-Acquired Sepsis

Cleaning is an essential yet complex component for the prevention of HAI-induced sepsis.


Man Dies by Suicide in Emergency Department Waiting Room at Kansas Hospital

No staff or patients were harmed, and the man was alone in the waiting area when he shot himself.


 
 


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.