Water, water, everywhere and not a drop to drink: Responding to water disruptions in two coastal healthcare facilities
Abstract
Having a consistent and readily available clean water supply is essential, not only for convenience but also to safeguard public health. While disruptions to the supply of clean water can impact communities of all kinds, some infrastructures and healthcare facilities are more vulnerable than others, such as those located in remote areas or within First Nations communities. This paper presents a case study of water disruption events within Sechelt and the First Nations community of Bella Bella, describing also the associated response efforts and lessons learned. Both events shared similar response activities, requiring the curtailing of normal water usage, the establishment of emergency operations centres, the sourcing of resources via supply chain or transportation partners, implementation of infection prevention and public health considerations, and collaboration with internal and external agencies. The learnings highlight a need for greater focus on building resiliency within healthcare facilities, especially those that serve remote or First Nations communities. The study also presents recommendations for water disruption response planning at the site and community level, and the establishment of non-centralised backup water systems.
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Author's Biography
Kelsey Alexander is an emergency management professional who strives to build resilience in the healthcare system. Armed with experience in business continuity, project management and emergency management, Kelsey has spent the past few years navigating the intersection of healthcare and emergency management. Her role includes organising emergency drills, developing comprehensive response plans and supporting swift responses to infectious disease outbreaks, system failures, natural disasters and other healthcare emergencies. Kelsey’s success draws on her skills in strategic planning, risk assessment, resource allocation and collaborative decision-making with agencies across British Columbia. Outside the operational sphere, Kelsey engages in advancing the field through continuous learning and knowledge-sharing.
Maddy Laberge is an emergency and disaster management leader, specialising in emergency and disaster preparing, planning, response and recovery within healthcare and other complex organisational systems. She has coordinated numerous complex healthcare responses, including the COVID-19 response, the British Columbia 2021 heat dome, and numerous extreme weather events, droughts, floods and wildfire seasons. She is a respiratory therapist by trade, with a master’s degree in emergency and disaster management. She has written various publications and spoken numerous times on emergency and disaster related topics from a healthcare and chronic disease management perspective. Maddy believes in fostering a culture of preparedness and safety, while implementing strategic priorities, policies and initiatives across healthcare facilities. In this capacity, she has successfully managed scarce resources, overseen education and exercise programmes, and coordinated responses to emergencies and disasters.
Norman Kotze is a seasoned professional with a diverse skill set spanning hospitality management, business continuity, data analytics and emergency management. In the realm of business continuity, Norman has demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, bringing a unique blend of analytical thinking and industry insights. His proficiency in data analytics adds a layer of informed decision-making to his approach. Norman has collaborated with some of the brightest minds in the industry to advance standards within the sectors in which he operates. His commitment to excellence and his ability to seamlessly integrate hospitality management, business continuity, data analytics and emergency management showcase a professional who not only adapts to change but thrives in dynamic and challenging environments.
Citation
Alexander, Kelsey, Laberge, Maddy and Kotze, Norman (2024, September 1). Water, water, everywhere and not a drop to drink: Responding to water disruptions in two coastal healthcare facilities. In the Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, Volume 18, Issue 1. https://doi.org/10.69554/ZYHB4008.
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