DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 29, 2008 DHSS-101-2008 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
DPH EMERGENCY PLANS PRACTICED
On Oct. 23, Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) participated in emergency preparedness exercises which tested DPH's ability to coordinate staff and resources to safely evacuate patients from state-operated nursing facilities and deal with potential fatalities.
DPH teams successfully relocated 84 volunteers serving as patients from the Governor Bacon Health Center in Delaware City to the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill in Smyrna. Transportation of evacuees was provided by the Delaware City Fire Company, Port Penn Fire Company, Emily P. Bissell Hospital and the New Castle County Office of Emergency Management. DPH staff and local nursing students served as volunteer patients.
Cheryl Hollis, acting director for DPH Long Term Care said patients were safely and rapidly evacuated from the facility. "We met our goal to care for our residents in any situation."
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
