NASSAU COUNTY - STORM COVERAGE

Bracing for the snow

Local hospitals prepare for influx of patients

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As the snow falls and the wind speeds pick up the pace, local hospitals will continue with their routine, along with preparation for the possibility that more patients than usual could be brought in from the storm.

At South Nassau Communities Hospital, preparations have been set up since Saturday, according to Damian Becker, a spokesman for the hospital.

“Our response system is in check,” he said. “Critical staff is to report, with backup staff in place. We’ve done our critical supplies inventory, making sure we have enough of everything to last for 96 hours. We’ve done material management, in regards to dieting, the food must last for those 96 hours, with non-perishables available, as well as a stocked pharmacy, blood bank and enough oxygen.” He added that they have also checked their generator for fuel. The Urgent Care in Long Beach is also open, and both facilities are in direct contact with Nassau County’s Office of Emergency Management.

"Our emergency department will be up-staffed to accommodate influx of patients," said Victor F. Politi, Nassau University Medical Center's President and CEO. "In anticipation of the expected blizzard, senior level staff reviewed emergency preparedness plans and sustainability plans to ensure that the Nassau University Medical Center, the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility and our various LI federally qualified health centers have adequate levels of food/water supplies for patients, staff, and visitors, for anywhere between four and seven days. Our health system could sustain itself for at least 96 hours.” Their outpatient health centers and hospital clinics are closed on Jan. 27, with NUMC’s ambulances will be available for transport, if needed.

NUMC staff discussed power disruption plans—specifically, testing of the generators for contingency plans to ensure that generators and pumps are in working order, in case of electrical failure and flooding, and found they have adequate supplies of fuel. Support services reviewed emergency communications plans and equipment readiness as well as securing their buildings.

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