In the wake of devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Mission Hospital of Asheville, North Carolina, registered itself not only as a notable victim of the storm’s wrath but as the beacon of salvation for scores of injured individuals and first responders. The preparedness and subsequent disaster response showcased by the hospital will serve as an invaluable model for future crisis recovery. This healthcare beacon is the largest hospital and employer in Asheville and despite being in the profoundly affected area, did not falter – maintaining a smooth operational functionality during the entire disaster unfolding.
Being proactive and anticipatory, the hospital braced itself for the worst of outcomes, given that Helene’s trajectory was projected into the Appalachian region. The storm turned out to be the second most destructive in the last half-century in mainland U.S., with only Hurricane Katrina surpassing it. Over 1,000 hospital staff were alerted to remain in the hospital and additional staff were brought in to ensure continuity in patient care. Stockpiling of supplies also proved crucial in the aftermath as the city and the hospital became the focal point of the nation’s attention due to the unprecedented destruction caused by the storm and the consequent floods.
Greg Lowe, the CEO of Mission Health, revealed during a press conference that the hospital ensured continuous medical services for a significant influx of patients. They executed deliveries of over 50 babies and provided care to more than 1800 patients under strenuous circumstances. This was accomplished through the unwavering efforts of their additional staff that included nurses, engineers, security personnel, and emergency operations teams. At their peak, they worked relentlessly to ensure the smooth functioning of healthcare services.
The robust response in the face of such devastation was supported by numerous organizations. The hospital was supplied by helicopters owing to the infrastructure damage caused by the hurricane. Backup generators were brought online for power, and a large number of tanker trucks provided continuous water supply from outside the disaster-stricken zone. Consequently, the hospital was able to restore running water for sinks, showers, and toilets, while ensuring diligent infection prevention measures.
Relief was further fortified by support from external hospitals and a federal field hospital established in Mission Hospital’s parking lot. Lightweight facilities were also set up to provide necessities to staff members, some of whom were uncertain about the status of their homes and family.
The multi-disciplinary hospital support system provided flexible capacity outside the hospital, enabling the hospital to recover functionality while attending to the crucial healthcare needs of the affected population. Collaboration was established with FEMA to coordinate resources for maintaining operations. A major contribution came from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), which provided 300 medical, public health, and response personnel to two hospitals and two emergency medical shelters.
In the midst of all this, a grave concern is the upcoming second wave of patients potentially affected by bacterial infections due to the storm waters. However, Mission Hospital is working hand in hand with local and state health departments to manage resources. As Lowe succinctly put it, the unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care remains steadfast, and tireless efforts are being committed to restoring essential services and providing communities with access to crucial resources.
Tags: Disaster Management