HEFMA has pulled together some guidance to ensure continuity of patient services, as well as the safety and comfort of patients, staff and visitors, in the event of severe weather this winter.
Another big freeze for winter 2018 is already being speculated on by the media following claims from forecaster Exacta Weather that the UK is in for four months of snowfall in what will be the coldest winter in decades. The Met Office has refuted these claims and says it is not possible to predict the weather accurately that far in advance.
But what the forecasters say is not the issue. After the lessons of winter 2017 when severe snowfall did cause major disruption to services across the country, hospitals have to prepare for the worst.
Bad weather plans should be activated at least three days prior to forecast of heavy snow and one person should be assigned responsibility for notifying all departments of a weather alert.
Staffing
Each E&F department needs to ensure there is a staffing plan to cover services. Shifts should be reviewed to make sure staff who are scheduled to work are able to get to site and adjusted if necessary. It might be necessary for some staff to stay on site and for volunteers to be requested. If the site has accommodation it needs to be allocated to those who need it most, with additional areas of the estate allocated as sleeping accommodation if necessary, for instance, board and meeting rooms with bedding available. Utilise local B&Bs and consider the need for additional staffing.
Develop a cleaning plan aligned to the predicted resources with Infection Control and the clinical site team.
Supplies & suppliers
Liaise with all key suppliers and ask to see their bad weather contingency plans. Where reasonably practical, stock up and ensure provisions are at their maximum stock levels.
Ask waste contractors to have compactors cleared before the snow arrives. Arrange for a linen pick-up and drop-off before the snow, requesting bonded stock if the weather is likely to cause delivery restrictions.
Ensure sufficient bad weather equipment is available, for instance, sand and salt, industrial grade shovels, tape for cordoning off any dangerous areas and PPE, including gloves, waterproofs and wellington boots.
If the Trust has access to a 4x4 vehicle, ensure it is ready to deploy. In the long term, it may be worth considering replacing one Trust vehicle with a 4x4. Contact local companies to hire snow plough equipment.
Make sure all machinery is working and carry out thorough checks on all aspects of the heating system.
Remind all staff about the red routes and caution that car parks may not be cleared.
Managing services during an event
Visually inspect roofs for the risk of falling snow and alert the appropriate team. Hold waste in storage areas until full. Keep routes around the site clear to enable collection and delivery of goods. Create an emergency holding area for waste streams if need arises.
Remind nursing staff to strictly follow policy over linen usage and advise on rationing if stock levels and deliveries are at risk.
Respond to urgent requests for repairs and maintenance, support with snow clearance and keeping fire exits clear, enable access to stores, shut down ventilation fans at -5oC and notify clinical departments if this is a risk.
If the cleaning resource is reduced, prioritise clinical areas. Place mats on all main entrances to help reduce the amount of sand and grit that spreads to corridors and stairwells.
