Emergency Preparedness in the Physician’s Office

The Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit, in partnership with Sanofi Pasteur, sponsored two evenings for physicians addressing emergency preparedness planning. Allison Stuart, Director of Emergency Management Unit, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, presented issues related to pandemic influenza preparedness. A status update regarding avian influenza, office and personal/family preparedness and planning and government planning were also discussed.

In the event of pandemic influenza, agencies have made predictions of what is needed and have assessed what is available. In light of this, all physicians in Ontario will be receiving a pandemic kit from the Ministry of Health. This kit will include supplies of masks, gowns and hand sanitizers.

Twenty-nine physicians, five nurse practitioners and five nurses attended the two evenings. Evaluations were positive with the topic seen as relevant to physicians needs. Several respondents requested more information on local preparedness and chain of command in the event of pandemic influenza. Any physician who was unable to attend received a print-out of the speaker's presentation.

For more information visit Health Unit - Pandemic Information

Bonnie Erwin, RN, BScN, DOHN, Public Health Nurse

All physicians in Ontario will be receiving a pandemic kit from the Ministry of Health.