TOPIC: Safely Maintaining Normal Hospital Functions During a Boil Water Advisory: Collaboration, Risk Assessment and Incident Command Communication
DATE/TIME: March 13, 2024 @ 10:00am – 11:00am
DESCRIPTION:
Contaminated drinking water can lead to waterborne illness outbreaks. When there is confirmed or potential contamination of municipal water, a boil water advisory (BWA) is used to inform the affected community that the public water might be compromised. If a BWA impacts a healthcare facility, it is essential to evaluate and distribute the available municipal and bottled water supply to safely maintain healthcare services while maintaining hazard communication. When a BWA was issued the day before a holiday weekend, a multidisciplinary healthcare team including Infection Prevention, Regulatory, Facilities, Surgical Services, Nursing and Dialysis developed a risk assessment to ensure that hospital operations could continue safely. A plan for recommissioning plumbing fixtures and equipment was developed and implemented. Opportunities for improvement were identified in activating and utilizing Incident command, communication and supply reserve.
Takeaways:
- Understanding the impact a boil water advisory has on Facility Operations, patients and service lines
- Utilizing Incident command effectively to communicate utility disruptions.
- Safely recommission appliances, plumbing fixtures and equipment after a boil water order is lifted. Opportunities to improve your facilities preparation for this type of utility disruption
PRESENTERS:
Jeffrey Casale, CHOP B
Associate Vice President Support Services
Albany Med Health System - Saratoga Hospital
Jackie Cordell, MS, MT(ASCP)SMCM, CIC
Infection Prevention Practitioner
Albany Med Health System - Glens Falls Hospital