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Coast Hospitals Prepare for 2009 Hurricane Season
Lessons Learned from Katrina Being UtilizedHospitals and other healthcare providers on the Mississippi Gulf Coast know all too well what it means to be hit with a major disaster. With the 2009 hurricane season just beginning, they're prepared for whatever comes along as they reflect on lessons learned in 2005 from Hurricane Katrina. The 2008 season with hurricanes Gustav and Ike gave providers additional experience in disaster preparedness.
Hancock County was ground zero for Katrina where $26 million in damages was rendered to the county-owned hospital, Hancock Medical Center in Bay St. Louis.
"Katrina gave us the worst blow our area has ever taken, but people have persevered and we are stronger as a result of lessons learned," said Administrator Hal Leftwich. "Last year, we were better prepared when hurricanes threatened."
Facility Services Director Hank Wheeler added, "Being prepared is key. The hospital participates in drills throughout the year so we can practice for different scenarios. All employees get involved."
The Emergency Management Team at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport meets quarterly or as needed. During hurricane season, a small group of key team members meets to discuss hurricane issues and keep plans up to date.
"The hurricane plans in effect for Katrina worked effectively," said Gary Marchand, president and CEO. "These plans allowed Memorial to continue to service the community and all aspects of recovery."
He said that although these plans are still reviewed annually and adjusted as needed, there are no significant changes to the 2009 Hurricane Season Plan.
Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula is currently making changes to its Severe Weather Plan, specifically concerning staffing at the special needs shelter.
"Other than that, we are prepared for the hurricane season with the numerous changes we have made since Katrina," said Gerald Nottenkamper, trauma nurse coordinator. "Long term plans for the hospital to make us better able to function during and after a hurricane include raising our electrical plant above the ground floor to prevent flooding problems and putting in underground gas and diesel tanks to let us run our back-up generators longer and keep our hospital vehicles and employees mobile in case gas can not be obtained."
Hancock Medical is ready with battle-tested polices and plans that include the following:
"Those are some of the many changes we have made to help Hancock Medical face the brunt of another storm with the impact of Katrina," Leftwich said. "We hope we never see that day again."
Memorial Hospital has a 24/7 disaster coordinator on staff who works with community leaders, other facilities and the State Health Department. When new developments or significant changes arise, the coordinator meets with team members to outline changes and amend the planning process.
Prior to June 1, all areas and units educate their employees on Memorial's plan, and preparedness handbooks are given to all employees, medical staff, volunteers and contract staff. The handbook includes evacuation routes and hotel, motel and campground phone numbers. It also outlines Memorial's plan, the disaster hotline phone number and the importance of using the hospital Web site which becomes a digital disaster response site.
"Preparedness is everything and it starts at home," said Ken McDowell, Memorial Safety and Disaster Coordinator. "Have a plan and a list of shelters in case finances don't allow evacuation."
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