Disaster Management Advisory - Hospitals Prepare for Terrorism

Nationwide audio conference on terrorism preparedness for hospitals to air on January 22 at 2:00 PM EST. Conference features the 'benchmark' hospital terrorism response plan developed by High Point Regional Hospital, High Point, NC.

Security Assessments International (PRWEB) January 21, 2003
a nationwide audio conference on terrorism preparedness for hospitals. Conference airs on January 22 at 2:00 PM EST

Audio conference features the 'benchmark' terrorism response plan developed by High Point Regional Hospital, High Point, NC. Attendees will learn how this plan was developed, activated and tested in an actual 4-hour countywide disaster preparedness exercise.

"Communities nationwide are learning that nuclear, biological, and chemical terrorism threats and the grim prospect of mass casualties present a new challenge for their local and regional hospitals. Hospital risk managers have a daunting task. They not only have to prepare for mass casualties, but they must learn to manage many new resources to successfully create an effective response within their community. Were this not enough, they must also meet Joint Commission (JCAHO) preparedness standards," according to Jeff Aldridge, president of SAI. "There is a wealth of solid information from the CDC, AMA, JCAHO and others about WHAT hospitals need to do to prepare, but far less information on HOW to go about it," he continued.

Jeff Aldridge, one of the nation's leading authorities on hospital security and risk management, was a featured speaker at last October's Environment of Care conference in New Orleans. Speaking on bioterrorism and hospital risk management issues, Jeff fielded pointed questions about hospital preparedness. "Where do I find a template or model terrorism response?" "How do I conduct a hazard vulnerability assessment?" "Do we have to conduct live county-wide drills?" "What will JCAHO surveyors expect of us in 2003?" These, and similar questions from engaged hospital professionals are the genesis of this conference. "My goal since November has been to identify a program that best fits a regional / community hospitals needs and meets all their requirements. Ironically, after contacting numerous clients throughout the US, I found a benchmark program here in North Carolina at High Point Regional Health Systems," Jeff Aldridge said.

LeRoy Deabler, former JCAHO Surveyor, gave High Point's plan an outstanding rating in a recent 'mock' Survey. It will serve as a model for benchmarking to be used by other hospitals and healthcare facilities for their safety needs. The community wide emergency preparedness drill was very effective, and it fully meets all applicable JCAHO standards," stated Mr. Deabler's report.

For more conference information, visit www.saione.com/NBC
Company: Security Assessments International, Inc.
Contact: Phillip Launt, InfoPros
Phone: 919-846-1486
Email: nbcreg@saione.com
Date Jan 19, 2003