SNOW & EARTHQUAKE UPDATE 13 AUGUST 2011 - CANTERBURY DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD

SATURDAY 13 AUGUST – UPDATE 3

2.00pm

CDHB’s Snow Contingency plans include a very limited number of 4WD vehicles as emergency back-up transport, which is why it’s vital that staff make their own arrangements wherever possible.

At this stage it’s anticipated that services will operate as usual from Monday. Further updates will be provided tomorrow, so please check again.

As mentioned previously, it’s a good idea to have enough food and water at home for several days; any regular medications; a full tank of fuel and chains if necessary. A shovel will also be useful and if you rely on electricity for heating and cooking – think about alternatives.
For the latest weather update visit: http://www.metservice.com/national/warnings/severe-weather-outlook

________________________________________
FRIDAY 12 AUGUST – UPDATE 2

4:30PM UPDATE ON SEVERE WEATHER WARNING - PLANNING

Plans are in place to ensure CDHB staff, visitors and patients, can safely visit our sites if the predicted heavy snowfalls occur.

The CDHB has several graders available to clear each site (Christchurch, Burwood, TPMH and Hillmorton) along with a gritting team for each site. Contractors have also been organised for Lincoln and Rangiora hospitals if they are required. The priority for clearing sites will depend upon the severity of the situation.

“All workers in the health system are considered to provide essential/emergency services, and are expected to turn up for work at their usual times,” says Chief Executive David Meates.

“Our priority is to ensure that all our staff, along with patients and visitors, can safely access all our sites. I am very impressed with the planning that is in place to achieve this,” he said.

Vehicle insurance: We’ve received a number of queries regarding vehicle insurance when driving to work. Unless police actually close roads (and you are driving on a closed road) your own motor vehicle policy will apply. Make sure you exercise caution and drive to the conditions.

It is important that managers discuss contingency plans with their teams and that you have contact details for your manager, so you can keep in touch.

If you might require childcare now’s the time to think about who will care for your children if schools are closed next week.

As mentioned previously, it’s a good idea to have enough food at home for several days; any regular medications; a full tank of fuel and chains if necessary. A shovel will also be useful and if you rely on electricity for heating and cooking – think about alternatives.

As we continue to monitor the situation we will provide updates to assist you in making your plans.
For the latest weather update visit: http://www.metservice.com/national/warnings/severe-weather-outlook

Christchurch Hospital Campus Staff Update – Key Messages for Predicted Adverse Weather Sunday 14th Monday 15th August

From the Met Service 12 Midday Friday 12th

A very cold outbreak rivalling that of late July still looks on track to spread over the country at the weekend. On Saturday, a very cold southerly airstream should start moving onto the South Island. This southerly outbreak will then move over the rest of the South Island to reach the southern North Island by Sunday night. There are still some uncertainties as to snow amounts, and to exactly how low the snow will fall. Highest confidence at this stage is for significant snowfalls in southern Fiordland, Southland, and Otago, on Sunday and Monday right down to sea level. Further north, snow will probably fall to sea level in Canterbury, but amounts and extent of the snowfall remain uncertain.

Key Messages for Staff and Contingency Plans in Place

Plan Ahead – everyone is expected to make a reasonable effort to get to work safety unless alternative arrangements have been made with their manager. If staff are not able to attend then the usual process for notifying the service should be used. Nursing staff will be the exception as calls should be made to the ward rather than the Duty Nurse Manager.

Assistance with Transport –Limited resources will be available via the 4W4 Club to assist transporting staff to work. Areas will therefore need to assess their staffing requirements and prioritise assistance requests. Requests for transport forms will be sent out to all areas who will then need to complete these and fax them to the number on the form.

Insurance – Staff are advised to consult their Insurance Company with any concerns re policy cover.

Know Key Extension Numbers when dialling from Outside – Please ensure you have a record of the telephone extension numbers you may need to call in advance to reduce the load of assisted calls on the Hospital Operators.

Overnight Accommodation – Limited overnight accommodation is available.

Drop off and pick up points – Security will have extra staff on duty to assist with drop and pick up from Horticultural Centre Parking area, Main Entry to Hospital under veranda.

Grit and road clearance around the site – Plans have been made in advance with the CCC to keep roading and pathways external to all of the hospital sites clear. External contractors are on standby to clear internal pathways and roads.

Outpatient Clinics and Arranged Surgery – At this stage Outpatient clinics and arranged Surgery will be going ahead as planned.

Emergency Control Centre Christchurch Hospital Campus – The response to Adverse Weather will be coordinated from the Emergency Control Room (Ground floor Christchurch Hospital). Phone ext 85555, direct dial 3641686 Fax 81551, direct dial to fax 3641551.

If the Adverse Weather Plan is activated a briefing Meeting with be held for staff in the Oncology Lecture Theatre on Monday 15th at 1330hrs.

________________________________________

THURSDAY 11 AUGUST – UPDATE 1

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

The met service has issued a severe weather warning for the south island which may result in snow to low levels this Sunday and Monday.

We have a few days warning, which gives us all time to make plans.

Managers should discuss contingency plans with their teams. All workers in the health system are considered essential, and are expected to turn up for work at their usual times.

As health is an essential service everyone who can safely get to work is expected to turn up for their usual duties unless you have made alternative arrangements with your manager – this may include working from home, if that’s appropriate.

Based on your experience of the recent heavy snow, if you think you might have difficulty getting to work – make a plan now. Think about car pooling with other staff members and you might consider staying with a relative or friend who lives closer to the hospital. If you might require childcare now’s the time to think about who will care for your children if schools are closed.

At home it’s a good idea to have enough food for several days; any regular medications; make sure you have a full tank of fuel and chains if necessary. As many of us learned last time, a shovel is a useful addition to your emergency kit. If you rely on electricity for heating and cooking – think about alternatives.

As we continue to monitor the situation we will provide updates to assist you in making your plans.

http://www.metservice.com/national/warnings/severe-weather-outlook

Adam Creed
Security & Emergency Planning manager