Ontario hospitals are required to respond to the health impacts of emergencies, natural or deliberate in nature, where the influx of patients requiring care could exceed the capacity of the facility. The OHA is supporting hospitals in their emergency planning through participating on provincial committees and providing the hospital perspective, and disseminating information, tools, and other resources with hospitals to promote effective strategies that enhance emergency planning and management activities.
The mandate and objectives of the Emergency Preparedness Program are guided by the Health Emergency Management Committee (HEMC), which is comprised of 25 members from hospitals and includes representation from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. With the advice of the Committee, the OHA aims to contribute to enhancing emergency preparedness management and better system coordination in the health care system between government, hospitals, and other providers, on the behalf of its members.
The Emergency Preparedness Program aims to:
- Raise awareness about emergency preparedness and management
- Provide leadership and be a resource to hospitals in their emergency preparedness activities
- Promote standardization in the planning and management of emergencies in hospitals
- Foster the sharing of tools and resources between hospitals
- Advocate on the behalf of hospitals for better system coordination.
For additional information regarding the Emergency Preparedness Program please visit the following tabs or contact:
Ramona Steacy
Director, Organizational Health Management
Phone: 416-205-1397
Email: rsteacy@oha.com
Rachel Bredin
Assistant Health and Safety Consultant
Phone: 416-205-1576
Email: rbredin@oha.com