Why Emergency Preparedness?
An outbreak, new emerging virus or hospital emergency can occur without warning. At any given time hospitals must be prepared to respond to all emergencies that may arise within the community. In order to ensure that St. Josephs Healthcare Hamilton has a coordinated effective emergency response, it is imperative that hospital emergency plans and emergency codes are continuously maintained, implemented and tested.
The SJHH Emergency Preparedness Committee shall provide continuous direction and support for the development, implementation and maintenance of all policies and procedures encompassing emergency and disaster management functions; thereby, ensuring the safety of patients, visitors, employees, physicians, volunteers and the community.
Maintenance of the emergency preparedness structure will support the hospital and the community in times of crisis. The development and maintenance of the emergency preparedness program will ensure the fluidity of all emergency and disaster management functions within the organization while ensuring that effective responses at all sites are also fully coordinated and in alignment with the regional, provincial and federal emergency response plans.
