Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is recognizing its staff, physicians and emergency response partners following a school bus rollover near Highway 401 and Bloomfield Road on Thanksgiving Sunday.
The hospital received 26 patients immediately after the Oct. 11 rollover. They were cared for in addition to the roughly 110 patients its emergency department typically sees on a Sunday.
“When our community needs us, our teams are ready to respond, at any time,” said Caen Suni, vice-president of clinical operations. “Throughout this incident, our staff and physicians demonstrated exceptional professionalism, compassion and teamwork. Many additional staff and physicians joined the response, helping us meet the needs of patients during an extraordinary situation. We are proud of everyone involved.”
The hospital worked with Chatham-Kent EMS, Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue Services, Chatham-Kent Police Service and the OPP to support a co-ordinated response.
A procedure known as a Code Orange is activated when a major external event could send a significant number of patients to hospital and disrupt operations. It calls for additional staff, physicians, first responders and equipment. The hospital said incidents of this magnitude are rare, but its emergency planning and mock Code Orange exercises helped prepare teams to respond to an influx of patients.
“This is where preparation, expertise and strong partnerships come together,” Suni added. “From emergency responders at the scene to physicians, clinical teams and support staff at the hospital, everyone played an important role in caring for those affected. This response reflects the dedication of the people who serve our community every day.”
The hospital also thanked the community for its patience, understanding and support during the response.
