Organizational Preparedness for Hospitals

Pandemic influenza can have a devastating effect on a hospital. Pandemic planning is vitally important to ensure that hospitals can continue to operate in the face of increased patient load.

The HHS cites the following tasks as part of its Hospital Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist¹¹:

• Identify key primary and backup members of the planning committee
• Cite points of contact for information within local, state and tribal health departments and the state hospital association
• Conduct simulation exercises
• Include surveillance and detection of pandemic influenza for patients and staff with flu-like illness
• Address concerns with supplies, staffing, training and postmortem care

For additional information on pandemic planning for hospitals, visit www.flu.gov/professional/hospital/hospitalchecklist.pdf.