Emergency preparedness in general practice
General practice has a key role in preparing for, responding to, and supporting recovery from disasters and emergencies in their local communities.
Disasters and emergencies can also impact a general practice’s business continuity and ability to provide essential health care services.
Planning and preparation ensures general practices are able to respond safely and efficiently, provide effective continuity of care, and reduce the overall impact on the practice and practice staff.
NWMPHN has created a series of information sheets that compile information and resources to help practice teams prepare for and respond to specific disasters and emergency situations.
They are designed for you to rapidly understand the best steps to take to keep staff and patients safe – and to elevate and adapt patient support in situations of widespread emergency.
These guides to emergency preparation for primary care pages cover:
Each document contains links to multiple resources and local, state and national information and emergency services. We recommend downloading the set and making paper copies, thus ensuring access to the information even if you are left without power or internet connection.
In an emergency, NWMPHN plays a critical role in coordinating health professionals able to provide care.
Our Emergency Response Register helps us work with Emergency Coordinators, hospitals and emergency services to ensure much-needed medical care is available when and where people are most affected.
There are several ways in which primary care providers can lend a hand. To find out more sign up to the Emergency Response Register.
NWMPHN is a member of the VTPHNA Emergency Management and Disaster Planning Working Group, a collaborative body that share’s information and resources on emergency management and preparedness. The NWMPHN Emergency Preparation for Primary Care suite of information sheets are based on materials sourced from Murray PHN.
