Meticulous Planning Pays Off - Power Outage Success Story

Thanks to meticulous planning and communication in key areas: clinical, catering, support services and IT, our hospital remained fully functional during two separate, two hour long power outages. Risk assessments were completed and all departments worked together to ensure the timing of critical events and the readiness of clinical equipment back-up. A great result – thank you to all involved.

 

“The power outages were scheduled at times which would allow patients meals to be cooked and served without disruption. The clinical team carried out individual risk assessments for each patient, identifying any issues in advance and putting in control measures to ensure continuity of patient care.  Critical equipment such as ventilators are equipped with battery back-up and the clinical team ensured all batteries were checked and working.  Patients were moved from alternating pressure mattresses on to a foam mattresses for the duration of the work and any moves requiring hoists were completed ahead of the power outage to ensure the hoist battery was conserved for emergency use.  Also arrangements were made to power down plant and IT equipment safely to avoid any damage occurring.” General Manager, Jo Speed.