WWRHCC and Members in the News - Archive
Here you can find news and press surrounding the work we do as the Collaborative as well as updates from our member hospitals.
The Wild Winds of 2007
May 28, 2008
The town of Ilwaco, WA is already used to having high winds (think 80 to 90 mph) but when the winds reached 130 mph on December 2nd, 2007 the staff at Ocean Beach Hospital knew they were in for a wild ride. The Astoria Bridge, one of the most well–traveled bridges and main thoroughfares into town was closed for several hours at one point. No cell phones or long distance phone calls were made. Logs blocked roadways while many others were shut down.
The winds sustained themselves for the next two and a half to three days, leaving the hospital without power for a total of 54 hours. Generators kicked in to provide power but still things like laundry, food supplies, and deliveries were affected. Though the outside of the hospital suffered some structural damage (even one of their employees was hit and rushed to the ER) the community and hospital seemed to know how to handle it.
An Urgent Care Clinic was opened and emergency preparedness supplies were quickly made available. Local HAMM radio communication was contacted immediately to spread word that not only was the hospital still operating but it was opening their lobby as a soup kitchen. Hot coffee was served, ten cots were set up, and warmth was provided for those who just needed a place to stay. “At least 200 people came through…” remarked Julie Oakes, Quality/Risk Manager at the hospital, “…about 60–80 people more a day than normal. Young kids with crazy hair were talking with the older people. People just sat around and talked!”
Even as I listened to Julie recount her experience several months later, it was clear that the storm of 2007 had lasting effects, not only with the staff of Ocean Beach but its community members as well. It’s compelling to see what people can accomplish (with a little hand from FEMA, too) when the going gets tough.
Source: Interview with Julie Oakes, Quality/Risk Manager of Ocean Beach Hospital. Story by Melanie Allred.
The winds sustained themselves for the next two and a half to three days, leaving the hospital without power for a total of 54 hours. Generators kicked in to provide power but still things like laundry, food supplies, and deliveries were affected. Though the outside of the hospital suffered some structural damage (even one of their employees was hit and rushed to the ER) the community and hospital seemed to know how to handle it.
An Urgent Care Clinic was opened and emergency preparedness supplies were quickly made available. Local HAMM radio communication was contacted immediately to spread word that not only was the hospital still operating but it was opening their lobby as a soup kitchen. Hot coffee was served, ten cots were set up, and warmth was provided for those who just needed a place to stay. “At least 200 people came through…” remarked Julie Oakes, Quality/Risk Manager at the hospital, “…about 60–80 people more a day than normal. Young kids with crazy hair were talking with the older people. People just sat around and talked!”
Even as I listened to Julie recount her experience several months later, it was clear that the storm of 2007 had lasting effects, not only with the staff of Ocean Beach but its community members as well. It’s compelling to see what people can accomplish (with a little hand from FEMA, too) when the going gets tough.
Source: Interview with Julie Oakes, Quality/Risk Manager of Ocean Beach Hospital. Story by Melanie Allred.
Going the Extra Mile
On the day that Shelton, WA was hit with one of the big storms of late 2007, Mason General Hospital was just one of many to lose power. They quickly reacted by notifying locals of their availability to the public by placing a message with the radio station and newspaper.
One member of Mason General took it upon himself in a personal way to think about the community members and their need for respiratory care during the power outage. Roy Peters, the Respiratory Director set up a kiosk in the hospital lobby that remained available for 3 days — about the same amount of time that Mason’s power was out. Roy was concerned that patients had a way to refill their oxygen tanks, give them access to power to run their nebulizers, and generally make sure that they were okay.
Other efforts, like the huge volunteer team led by Crystal Diemert brought together supplies like food, clothing, and cash for flood victims in Lewis County. A collection point was established and the resources were physically transported by volunteer employees to those in need. Luckily, Mason General didn’t suffer the kind of water damage that some did during the big storm of 2007 but they did take it upon themselves to go the extra mile for their community.
Source: Interview with Diane Stillman, Chief Operating Officer of Mason General. Story by Melanie Allred.
One member of Mason General took it upon himself in a personal way to think about the community members and their need for respiratory care during the power outage. Roy Peters, the Respiratory Director set up a kiosk in the hospital lobby that remained available for 3 days — about the same amount of time that Mason’s power was out. Roy was concerned that patients had a way to refill their oxygen tanks, give them access to power to run their nebulizers, and generally make sure that they were okay.
Other efforts, like the huge volunteer team led by Crystal Diemert brought together supplies like food, clothing, and cash for flood victims in Lewis County. A collection point was established and the resources were physically transported by volunteer employees to those in need. Luckily, Mason General didn’t suffer the kind of water damage that some did during the big storm of 2007 but they did take it upon themselves to go the extra mile for their community.
Source: Interview with Diane Stillman, Chief Operating Officer of Mason General. Story by Melanie Allred.
aerial view of Mason General Hospital
