How to build a comprehensive business continuity programme for a healthcare organisation

Angela Devlen, Managing Partner, Wakefield Brunswick

Abstract
Since 2005 there has been an ongoing examination of the impact of disasters on hospitals, with specific interest in those rendered inoperable or seriously crippled operationally and financially. Following several evaluations of these events and the publication of several reports detailing gaps in preparedness, more is known about the impact to hospitals directly affected by emergencies and catastrophic events. As a result, there have been continued updates to regulations and standards. However, a significant gap remains in the establishment of a model representing true integration of risk management practices within hospitals. This paper discusses one approach to addressing that gap through building a comprehensive business continuity programme for healthcare organisations. This programme is intended to result in a roadmap towards resilience in the face of the many risks faced by hospitals today.

Keywords
healthcare, hospitals, emergencies, disasters, business continuity planning, continuity of operations (COOP)

Angela Devlen is Managing Partner of Wakefield Brunswick, Inc., a management consulting firm specialising in disaster preparedness, business continuity and healthcare management. Prior to that, she was Director of Emergency Management at Caritas Christi Health Care.

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