Question

Make a list of at least 10 steps that a medical facility can take to ensure that there is a solid contingency plan in place.

Answer 1

1.- Institutional contingency planning, provides a general reference for humanitarian action, based on the mandate, policies, strategies, criteria and international  and the intitution standards.2.-Analysis of hazards, vulnerability, capacity and the risks, adequate contingency planning should be based on the analysis of the risks that run the health center.3.-Determination and mobilization of resources, it is essential that the information about the capacity and resources is accurate and reliable, since this way the deficiencies and gaps can be determined and the use of existing resources optimized.4.- Early warning, warning systems and triggering factors. The contingency response planning process should establish the way to alert employees, and designate those responsible for notifying the others concerned.5.-Agreement and communication, the medical establishment should establish information management procedures within their contingency plans.6.-Sectoral responsibilities. Contingency plans must include a brief description of how they will address the needs in the different departments and the distribution of functions and responsibilities.7.-Salvage and health care, equipment formed to attend to any case of victims.8.- Announce the start and possible end dates of the contingency plan.9.- Recovery plan if needed.10.- The periodic revision of the contingency plan, to ensure that it is underway and does not need any change.