RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — As people in the Triangle prepare for incoming weather, medical facilities like UNC Health hospitals do too.
Dr. Abhi Mehrotra, an emergency physician at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough says preparing a hospital for a storm is similar to preparing a home.
“Ensuring you’ve got the medications, the appropriate fluids, etc., that the patients may need. One thing that’s slightly different is ensuring that patients have safe transport, those that can be discharged home in a safe manner,” Mehrotra said.
Dr. Abhi Mehrotra at UNC Health hospitals says safe transport for patients is often arranged in advance of a storm when possible.
Planning safe transport and staff is also key during a weather event.
“We want to make sure that to account for those that may not be able to get in or may have difficulty getting home, that those arrangements are made for meals and a place to stay,” said Mehrotra.
With recent increases in flu, RSV, and norovirus, hospitals are already busy but Mehrotra says hospitals can still handle people who may come in during a storm. Oftentimes, the surge in patients comes after a weather event.
“As you have both the snow and ice that’s expected here you have a tree limb falls and falls and slips on the ice, on sidewalks, motor vehicle collisions that we are prepared for, ensure that our teams are ready to help take care of patients. The thing to think about, too, especially if you get power outages, is carbon monoxide exposure and folks bringing inappropriate heating equipment inside trying to stay warm,” Mehrotra said.
Duke Health also has measures in place for their hospitals.
“Duke University and Health System must maintain essential services and operations during any severe weather or emergency condition while providing for the protection, safety and health of all patients, students, staff and faculty. Essential services include maintaining hospital operations, supporting students in residence, operating research facilities and providing necessary support and administrative services. Duke and its staff must be prepared to safely operate and serve during these extraordinary conditions,” the system said in a statement.
If you have an emergency during inclement weather, Dr. Mehrotra says not to hesitate to reach out.
UNC also advises the public to think about vulnerable people around them, check on them and make plans to help if they needed.
