PA Hospitals to Care for Haitians
Harrisburg – Pennsylvania is ready to provide medical and humanitarian care for some critically injured Haitian earthquake victims, Governor Ed Rendell announced today after sending a letter to the U.S. departments of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security.
“Pennsylvania is keenly aware of the dire situation faced by so many Haitians who were critically injured during the January 12 earthquake and its aftershocks,” Governor Rendell said during a news conference. “We recognize the need to act fast, as more Haitians continue to suffer. The commonwealth is ready to support the federal government in this life-saving operation.”
The Governor was joined at the news conference by Department of Health Secretary Everette James and Carolyn F. Scanlan, president and CEO of The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania.
The state departments of Health, Public Welfare and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency are coordinating planning efforts to receive Haitian patients in response to the federal government’s request.
The Department of Health is working to identify hospitals willing to accept earthquake victims. Pennsylvania hospitals have already been participating in both outbound and inbound medical humanitarian missions. Eleven hospitals, from Philadelphia to Erie, have already agreed to accept Haitian patients
Prior to their arrival in the commonwealth, the Department of Health will receive information about the patients, including the type and degree of injuries, so they can be matched to the appropriate medical facility, such as trauma or burn centers.
The department is prepared to coordinate medical assessments at the airports, work with regional EMS councils to provide transport to the hospitals, and communicate with the hospitals regarding available beds.
All patients will be assessed for medical needs and assigned a patient tracking number upon arrival in the commonwealth. Patient escorts will also be assessed for basic health needs. Patients and escorts will be reunited before being transported to the hospital.
The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare has identified housing resources that are immediately able to shelter patient escorts. And, local government and social service agencies are ready to assist with mental health, translation and food and clothing needs.
“Pennsylvania is keenly aware of the dire situation faced by so many Haitians who were critically injured during the January 12 earthquake and its aftershocks,” Governor Rendell said during a news conference. “We recognize the need to act fast, as more Haitians continue to suffer. The commonwealth is ready to support the federal government in this life-saving operation.”
The Governor was joined at the news conference by Department of Health Secretary Everette James and Carolyn F. Scanlan, president and CEO of The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania.
The state departments of Health, Public Welfare and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency are coordinating planning efforts to receive Haitian patients in response to the federal government’s request.
The Department of Health is working to identify hospitals willing to accept earthquake victims. Pennsylvania hospitals have already been participating in both outbound and inbound medical humanitarian missions. Eleven hospitals, from Philadelphia to Erie, have already agreed to accept Haitian patients
Prior to their arrival in the commonwealth, the Department of Health will receive information about the patients, including the type and degree of injuries, so they can be matched to the appropriate medical facility, such as trauma or burn centers.
The department is prepared to coordinate medical assessments at the airports, work with regional EMS councils to provide transport to the hospitals, and communicate with the hospitals regarding available beds.
All patients will be assessed for medical needs and assigned a patient tracking number upon arrival in the commonwealth. Patient escorts will also be assessed for basic health needs. Patients and escorts will be reunited before being transported to the hospital.
The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare has identified housing resources that are immediately able to shelter patient escorts. And, local government and social service agencies are ready to assist with mental health, translation and food and clothing needs.
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