After the flood: surviving Hurricane Juan.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Administration
• Disaster Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Capital Health is Atlantic Canada's largest integrated academic health district.
• The Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII) is the largest adult academic health centre in the region.
• The QEII comprises multiple facilities, including the Halifax Infirmary (HI) and Victoria General (VG) sites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the operational response and coping mechanisms of the Halifax Infirmary and Victoria General sites following Hurricane Juan.
• To analyze the challenges and strategies employed by Capital Health during a major natural disaster.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of the post-hurricane operational period.
• Review of institutional records and emergency response protocols.
• Case study approach focusing on two major healthcare facilities.

Main Results:

• The study details the immediate and ongoing impacts of Hurricane Juan on healthcare services.
• It highlights the resilience and adaptive strategies implemented by healthcare staff and administration.
• Disruptions to services and infrastructure were managed through coordinated emergency planning and response.

Conclusions:

• Capital Health demonstrated significant capacity to manage healthcare services during a natural disaster.
• Effective disaster preparedness and response are crucial for maintaining tertiary health services.
• Lessons learned from Hurricane Juan inform future emergency management strategies in healthcare settings.