Wildfires, power outages impact on healthcare in California called unprecedented

PG&E set up utility-scale generators at one of its utility substations in the Grass Valley area, creating a 'continuity zone' that is supplying electricity to 3,800 customers


Healthcare facilities are experiencing a level of disruption to delivering care and running their businesses that they have never seen as a result of the California wildfires and Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s planned blackouts, according to an article on the Sacramento Bee website.

“I actually have never experienced a power outage where we were on emergency generator backup for 40 hours or more,” Dr. Brian Evans, the chief executive officer at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital in Grass Valley, said in the article. 

PG&E set up utility-scale generators at one of its utility substations in the Grass Valley area, creating a "continuity zone" that is supplying electricity to 3,800 customers, including the hospital. 

Across California, wildfires and outages have forced healthcare providers to close hospitals and medical clinics, or greatly limit services. Both Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health evacuated their hospitals in Santa Rosa, the second time in three years the medical centers had to be abandoned

Read the article.



November 5, 2019


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Must Know Recalls of 2025

For the safety of our readers, Healthcare Facilities Today has closely followed all recall notices related to the industry.


Sustainability as a Baseline in Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals can balance costs, build resilience and learn from global models for sustainable design to further their green goals.


Comanche County Memorial Hospital and Southwestern Medical Center Join to Form Partnership

The partnership will go into effect by the end of December 2025.


Choosing a Disinfectant That Kills Biofilm

Bacteria form biofilms in pipes from which cells can be released during sink use and spread outside the drains in droplets or as aerosols.


Third-Party Data Breach Case Underscores Need for Cyber Risk Management

Plaintiffs alleged negligence in safeguarding patient data; defendants denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid litigation costs.


 
 


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.