Dive Brief:
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With heavy winter weather and storm pounding large portions of the U.S., hospitals across the country are reviewing their weather in emergency planning policies.
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For example, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital has been operating on a severe weather plan since Monday. And Alabama-based St. Vincent's Health System is keeping in close contact with patients rescheduling procedures as feasible on a case-by-case basis.
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In another example of hospitals fighting back against nature, officials at Lanham, Md.-based Doctors Community Hospital are working with for volunteer drivers with four-wheel-drive vehicles to transport essential employees to and from the hospital.
Dive Insight:
With a dash of creativity, well thought out plans and community involvement, hospitals are fighting their way through some of the worst winter weather seen in quite some time. Much of the success of these plans comes from dedicated hospital workers, such as hospital staff at Conway Medical Center in Myrtle Beach South Carolina, who are sometimes spending the night at work to stay with patients. Congratulations to hospitals going the extra mile during these difficult times.