[{"innerBlocks":[],"name":"core\/freeform","postId":2992,"blockType":{"name":"core\/freeform","keywords":[],"attributes":{"content":{"type":"string","source":"raw"},"lock":{"type":"object"}},"providesContext":[],"usesContext":[],"selectors":[],"supports":{"className":false,"customClassName":false,"reusable":false},"styles":[],"variations":[],"apiVersion":3,"title":"Classic","description":"Use the classic WordPress editor.","category":"text"},"originalContent":"Thirty-six Florida hospitals were forced to close their doors to the public, casualties of Hurricane Irma\u2019s destructive path running up the length of the Sunshine State.

Nearly 12 percent of the state\u2019s more than 300 hospitals decided to close thanks to Irma\u2014the closures primarily were taken as precautionary measures in advance of the hurricane\u2019s arrival, according to the Florida Hospital Association.

\u201cPatient care and safety is our No. 1 concern. Based upon the projected storm surge, we have decided to evacuate Kindred Hospital-Bay Area-Tampa,\u201d stated an announcement from the acute long-term care hospital.

However, among the hardest hit areas for closings was Miami, which saw seven hospitals shut down, including: Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital in Miami, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami, Mercy Hospital in Miami, Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Sister Emmanuel Hospital in Miami, University of Miami Hospital and Clinics, and West Gables Rehabilitation Hospital in Miami.

\u201cHospital closures are individually evaluated,\u201d said FHA in a written statement. \u201cSome may be under mandatory evacuation orders from their county, others may determine the need to close based on risks identified in their emergency preparedness plan, for example, adequate fuel, drugs, supplies, etc.\u201d

Currently, there are 54 hospitals statewide operating on backup generators and in communication with their local emergency operations officials, as well as the state Agency for Health Care Administration and the Florida Department of Health, according to FHA.

\u201cOur goal is to ensure any unmet needs for fuel or other resources are addressed as quickly as possible,\u201d said FHA. \u201cHospitals are defined as part of Florida\u2019s critical infrastructure and are given priority for power restoration.\u201d

While some hospitals have reported \u201cwater intrusion\u201d as a result of Irma, the association said it has not been severe enough flooding to limit hospital operations. Likewise, although some hospitals have reported issues with Internet connections, FHA reports that no electronic health record systems failed, adding that \u201cthere are backup systems for patient documentation.\u201d

So far, more than 2,000 patients have been transferred from hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes to other facilities, according to FHA.

\u201cThe State of Florida Emergency Response Teams are currently assessing the hospitals in the field and specifically visiting locations that have reported damage or critical needs,\u201d concludes the association. \u201cConfirmed damage assessments are forthcoming. We have received reports that there are hospitals that initially curtailed services, but are reopening quickly now that the storm has passed.\u201d

Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, which evacuated more than 200 patients to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, announced on Monday night that it officially reopened. \u201cThe hospital is fully operational, and our Emergency Care Center will be open for patients of all ages,\u201d said spokeswoman Betty Chambliss.

For its part, Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach announced that beginning Tuesday it will resume normal operations on its main campus. \u201cAll campus buildings will be open, and visitors are welcome.\u201d","saveContent":"Thirty-six Florida hospitals were forced to close their doors to the public, casualties of Hurricane Irma\u2019s destructive path running up the length of the Sunshine State.

Nearly 12 percent of the state\u2019s more than 300 hospitals decided to close thanks to Irma\u2014the closures primarily were taken as precautionary measures in advance of the hurricane\u2019s arrival, according to the Florida Hospital Association.

\u201cPatient care and safety is our No. 1 concern. Based upon the projected storm surge, we have decided to evacuate Kindred Hospital-Bay Area-Tampa,\u201d stated an announcement from the acute long-term care hospital.

However, among the hardest hit areas for closings was Miami, which saw seven hospitals shut down, including: Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital in Miami, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami, Mercy Hospital in Miami, Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Sister Emmanuel Hospital in Miami, University of Miami Hospital and Clinics, and West Gables Rehabilitation Hospital in Miami.

\u201cHospital closures are individually evaluated,\u201d said FHA in a written statement. \u201cSome may be under mandatory evacuation orders from their county, others may determine the need to close based on risks identified in their emergency preparedness plan, for example, adequate fuel, drugs, supplies, etc.\u201d

Hurricane Irma causes 36 Florida hospitals to close

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