NLIS 4
June 6, 2000
(Health and Community Services)

Health and Community Services prepared for disaster: Sets up emergency hospital

The Department of Health and Community Services is raising awareness of its emergency response capabilities this week by setting up elements of a 200-bed emergency hospital at Brinton Memorial School in St. John�s.

As part of the National Emergency Services Stockpile, Health Canada has positioned health resources like emergency hospital equipment and supplies across this province which the Department of Health and Community Services would use to respond to major emergencies or disasters. This week, more than 10 individuals from around the province will be in St. John�s undergoing the training required to mobilize and set up emergency hospitals.

Across the country, health resources are strategically placed to allow for the set up of 42 emergency hospitals. Three of these are in this province.

"Knowing that there is about $4 million in emergency health resources alone available in this province through Health Canada gives us great comfort that we are able to manage in the event of a major disaster," said Roger Grimes, Minister of Health and Community Services. "During major fires, like the one in Badger last year and the one on Harvey�s Road in St. John�s a few years ago, it is critical to have such resources available in the event they are required. People can feel assured that beds, pillows and blankets are available if their community or neighbourhood is evacuated, for example."

Emergency hospitals are well equipped with generators, beds, pillows, blankets, water sterilizers, portable x-ray machines and medical laboratory equipment. Hospitals are usually set up in schools or stadiums. During times of emergencies, the Department of Health and Community Services works with its partner organizations, including Health Canada, the province�s Emergency Measures Organization, the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Coast Guard, Search and Rescue and so on.

The department will host an Open House Thursday, June 8 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Brinton Memorial School on Strawberry Marsh Road in St. John�s. Visitors will have a chance not only to view the emergency hospital, but to see Disaster Response Unit of the Health Care Corporation of St. John�s. Minister Grimes encourages people to attend the Open House and talk to the health professionals who are ready to help the people of this province in an emergency situation.

Media contact: Carl Cooper, (709) 729-1377.

NOTE TO EDITORS:
A media tour of the emergency hospital and disaster response unit is set for 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7 at Brinton Memorial School in St. John�s. The tour will be led by Dennis Davis, Director of Emergency Health Services with the Department of Health and Community Services.

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