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More than Bricks and Mortar
What Makes a Hospital Safe
A safe health facility is one that will protect
patients, visitors and staff from a range of
hazards, and is always prepared to quickly provide
much-needed healthcare services when an emergency
arises.
A health facility is much more than just bricks and
mortar.
To function, it needs uninterrupted power, water,
medicines, equipment and other supplies.
Most importantly, it needs trained staff – doctors,
nurses, paramedics and many others. They are the
ones who work tirelessly to save lives, particularly
in an emergency.
To make sure your hospital will be able to function
even after a disaster, one has to:
1. Ensure the structure of the hospital building is
strong enough to withstand the onslaught of the
disaster.
2. Protect all essential elements that make it
function – power, water, medicines, equipment and
other supplies.
3. Protect the health workers: train them thoroughly
in emergency drills. |
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Sri Lanka: Prepared Hospital Saved thousands of
lives after the tsunami
In autumn 2004 the medical superintendent of
Ampara General Hospital, Sri Lanka, was trained
in Public health and Emergency management, and
proceeded to provide training to his entire
hospital. Consequently, on 26 December 2004,
when the tsunami hit Sri Lanka, the hospital was
ready. Although more than 5000 people, many
severely injured, were treated by the hospital ,
only 17 died. |
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