Like most healthcare facilities across the country, (and especially those in California, the second most vulnerable state to natural disasters), San Joaquin General Hospital understands the importance of preparedness, especially as it pertains to operational continuity and community resilience. That’s why, with the help of BOLDplanning, the 196-bed acute care facility is working so very hard to modernize and improve its Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan. Spearheading the project is the hospital’s Emergency Management Program Coordinator, Nasir Khan, RN, MICN.
To kick things off with Nasir and staff, BOLDplanning representatives, Karla O’Grady, Regional Director, and James Woulfe, CBCP, CHEP, CHPCP, hosted the first of a series of COOP Plan Development Workshops at San Joaquin General Hospital last week. For two days, April 22 and 23, 2019, individuals from each hospital department had the opportunity to use the BOLDplanning.com platform to begin developing their respective recovery plans. These departmental plans will feed into the facility’s overarching COOP, an all-hazards plan that addresses the full spectrum of threats from natural, human-caused, and technological sources, including national security.
COOP plans, as described by ASPR, allow healthcare facilities like San Joaquin General Hospital to sustain their mission, core essential functions and services for patients already receiving care, as well as respond to potential surges in patients with space, staffing (including leadership), and equipment/supply issues as required. The goal is to ensure continuity of operations and facilitate operational and financial recovery.
“With that goal in mind, I am happy to say that much good work was accomplished during the first round of COOP workshops for San Joaquin General Hospital last week,” said Woulfe. “We look forward to continuing the conversation and moving department planners through the plan development process when we return for round two in May.”
On behalf of the entire BOLDplanning team, thank you, Nasir and San Joaquin General Hospital, for the hospitality shown to us last week, and for your commitment to strengthen preparedness and community resilience.
