ISHE Issues

Responding to a Natural Disaster at your Hospital

In 2008, various parts of Indiana experienced significant rainfall, rising water and flooding at levels not seen for 100 years. Hoosiers in communities throughout the State were forced from their homes and found their lives severely disrupted. Several Indiana Hospitals found themselves in the same situation. Some Hospitals were flooded during the storms, resulting in closure or partial closure of their services and damage to facilities. These closures have a dual effect; not only were the Hospitals that had to close services affected, but some of their patients had to be transferred to other facilities, triggering the need for consideration of issues on the receiving end as well. The purpose of this article is to summarize a list of issues that Hospitals should consider in the event of a disaster.

NEW! ISHE Emergency Resources Data Sheets

ISHE is in the process of creating Emergency Resources Data Sheets that will be posted inside of a new member-only area on the ISHE website. If you have a list of resources or suggestions you would like to share as we create a master list, please send it to Steve Thurston at steve.thurston@escocommunications.com.

Midwest Healthcare Engineering Conference

Participants from 12 states gathered November 5-7th in Indianapolis for the Midwest Healthcare Engineering Conference. Attendees were treated to valuable educational sessions from experts from across the Midwest. The trade show on Thursday was a success with 95 exhibitors on hand to display the latest products and services in the industry. Mark your calendars now for the 2009 Midwest Healthcare Engineering November 4-6 at a new venue, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana.