The hospital in Chatham will be running a drill this week to practice its readiness in case of an emergency.
The mock emergency exercise will be held Wednesday evening and will simulate a situation involving a person with a weapon. The drill will include Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) staff and physicians, Chatham-Kent police (CKPS), Medavie paramedics, and community volunteers. The mock Code Silver will take place in Zone A, Level 1, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Hospital officials said this emergency preparedness exercise should not affect patients, essential visitors, or care partners because the Oncology and Ambulatory Care units within Zone A, Level 1 do not have scheduled appointments during that time.
The Ambulatory Care entrance and ramp facing Louise Street will be closed to everyone with the exception of those participating in the mock event. The main entrance facing Grand Avenue will remain open for visitors and care partners during the mock scenario until its usual closing time at 8 p.m.
Emily Field with CKHA Communications told Blackburn Media the mock exercise does not have anything to do with current hospital protests being held around Ontario.
"This mock emergency event was actually scheduled prior to and is not in reference to the protests happening around the province," said Field.
Hospital officials said mock emergency scenarios provide an excellent opportunity for CKHA and CKPS to train together in a real environment with actual staff to ensure both organizations are prepared for any type of emergency scenario. Mock emergencies also allow the hospital to test its emergency procedures, identify gaps and make appropriate changes to improve the effectiveness of the organization’s policy.
