Work

Relocation Preparedness Measures Highlighted by an Australian Flood-affected Hospital’s Evacuation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Widespread disasters can obstruct all external supports and isolate hospitals. This report aimed to extract key preparedness measures from 1 such hospital in Australia, which was flood-affected and cut off from surrounding supports. METHODS: Nine interviews with key personnel behind a flood-affected hospital's evacuation and field hospital setup were conducted, and a narrative analysis of interview transcripts, meeting notes, and published accounts of hospital evacuation was conducted to highlight important preparedness measures for other hospitals. RESULTS: Findings indicate hospitals should compile a comprehensive list of resources needed to set up a field hospital. The analysis highlighted the importance of effective patient communication and in-transit tracking for safe evacuation, and revealed that staff can be better prepared if trained to expect disruptions and initiate pre-evacuation discharges. CONCLUSIONS: Increase in climate change-driven extreme weather events requires a proportional increase in hospitals' abilities to respond and adapt. This report points to key measures that can prepare hospitals to move their patients to improvised makeshift field facilities, if no external support is available.

Source: Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness

DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2025.104

Authors: Faran Shoaib Naru, Kate Churruca, Janet C Long, Mitchell Sarkies, Jeffrey Braithwaite

Institutions: Macquarie University, The University of Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Disaster Response and Management

Subfield: Emergency Medical Services

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550