NUHEALTH SYSTEM’S HURRICANE PREPARATIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2011

PRESS CONTACT:
Shelley Lotenberg
shelley@numc.edu
516-572-6055

NUHEALTH SYSTEM’S HURRICANE PREPARATIONS

East Meadow, NY….In anticipation of Hurricane Irene that could strike Long Island with devastating force, officials at the NuHealth System have been making the following preparations:

• Staff has been reviewing all support services needs, including fuel, generator capabilities, and emergency power for the campuses at NUMC, A. Holly Patterson and various health centers.
• We are reviewing all staffing levels, medication, food, water, medical and blood supplies and linens.
• We are checking all communications capabilities.
• Maintenance staff is clearing campus of debris and loose materials.
• We are checking roadways and storm drains to prevent roadway flooding.
• We are making provisions for staff to stay over.
• We are rescheduling elective surgeries.
• We are in constant communications with Nassau County Office of Emergency Management, North Shore- LIJ Health System and the Department of Health.
• We continue to monitor storm reports and provide updates to administration.
• Leadership will be present during the storm to assist staff.
• We will activate the Hospital Incident Command System.
• New emergency department (triple in size), has recently opened on the first floor (previously located on the ground floor) and will not be compromised during the storm.
• After the storm, staff will assess any damage that may have occurred during the storm.

ABOUT NUHEALTH
NuHealth is a Long Island health care organization delivering essential medical care and disease and lifestyle management to everyone at every stage of life.  Also known as Nassau Health Care Corporation, NuHealth is a public benefit corporation managing the operations of Nassau Medical Center, A. Holly Patterson Extended Care and a network of Family Health Centers that bring primary and specialty care out into the community.  By emphasizing wellness, cultural sensitivity and collaborative efforts with the North Shore-LIJ Health System, NuHealth is working to make good care more affordable and easier to access.

For more information about NuHealth or its Centers of Care, visit www.nuhealth.net.