N.J. Hospitals Fully Operational During, After Impact of Tropical Storm Isabel; NJHA, State Surveyed Facilities Throughout the Night

9/19/2003

From: Ron Czajkowski of the New Jersey Hospital Association, 609-275-4071 or rczajkowski@njha.com

PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 19 -- New Jersey hospitals remained operational throughout tropical storm Isabel, with only a few disruptions of power reported statewide.

The New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA), in collaboration with the state Department of Health and Senior Services, surveyed 120 of the state's hospitals twice last evening using e-mail, telephone and a special radio system.

No problems were reported with facilities or patient care. Adequate bed capacity was not an issue, and facilities reported they were operating despite heavy rain and wind gusts, particularly in the southern part of the state. Hospitals that lost power immediately went to back-up generators.

Surveys showed that there was adequate staffing, supplies and access to care. Hospitals reported normal demand for care in their emergency rooms.

"NJHA, in cooperation with the state, was in seamless contact with all our hospitals from 5 p.m. Thursday through Friday morning," said Senior Vice President of Planning and Research Valerie Sellers. "We had the capacity to use an e-survey tool to continually update their needs and status. Testing our ability to link to all hospitals using various technologies is very reassuring. Despite the fact that Isabel had limited impact on our delivery system, we are confident in our healthcare system's ability to prepare effectively and communicate during other widespread emergencies."