Disaster Plan
Disaster Plan
Disaster Plan
SunshineCoastHealthServiceDistrict
PandemicResponse
SubPlan
April2012
PleaseNote: ThisplanisasubplanoftheSunshineCoastHealthServiceDistrict
EmergencyResponsePlan.
Ifanyunforeseenconflictarisesbetweenthetwo,theSunshineCoast
EmergencyResponsePlanwillprevail.
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TABLEOFCONTENTS
DefinitionofPandemic.............................................................................................................3
PotentialPandemicDiseases....................................................................................................3
Section1 Introduction...........................................................................................................4
Section2PandemicEmergencyResponseActivation.............................................................6
Section3TheDistrictHealthEmergencyOperationCentre(HEOC)......................................10
Section4DistrictCommunicationsforPandemicEmergencyResponse.................................10
Section5Managementofaffectedpatients........................................................................14
Section6InfectionControl...................................................................................................19
Section7BedManagementinaPandemicResponse...........................................................27
Section8UnitConsiderations..............................................................................................29
Section9SupportServices..................................................................................................34
Section10WorkforceConsiderations..................................................................................36
Section11ReviewingandDebriefingArrangements............................................................39
DefinitionofPandemic
The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) is a technical collaboration of existing
institutions and networks who pool human and technical resources for rapid identification,
confirmationandresponsetooutbreaksofinternationalimportance.
PotentialPandemicDiseases
Anthrax(rare)
Avianinfluenza(nohumanincidenceinAustraliatodate)
CrimeanCongohaemorrhagicfeverCCHF(canbeimported)
Dengue/denguehaemorrhagicfever(canbeapotentialhazard)
Ebolahaemorrhagicfever(rare)
HendraVirus(HeV)Infection(canbeapotentialpandemic)
Hepatitis(varioustypesEgTypeA,B,C,D,E)
Influenza(PandemicInfluenzanotseasonalvariety)
Lassafever(canbeimported)
Marburghaemorrhagicfever
Meningococcaldisease(canbeapotentialhazard)
HumanMonkeypoxMPX
Pandemic(H1N1)2009
Plague(recordedinthepast)
RiftValleyfever
SevereAcuteRespiratorySyndrome(SARS)(canbeapotentialhazard)
Smallpox(recordedinthepastnowconsiderederadicated)
Tularaemia(notreportedinAustralia)
Yellowfever(notreportedinAustralia)
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Section1 Introduction
1.1ThePandemicPlanframework
The Sunshine Coast Health Service District (SCHSD) pandemic response subplan has been
developed within the larger Commonwealth and State framework (see Figure 1). Pandemic
Management is one of only two circumstances characterised by a topdown command structure
with the Commonwealth Government taking a lead role, (the other being coordination of a
responsetoaterroristthreat)
Figure1KeyAustralianplansforpandemicinfluenza
SCHSDPandemicPlan
1.2Aimsandobjectives
The aim of this plan is to provide a comprehensive implementation guide for the SCHSD of actions
necessary in the event of a pandemic influenza or other pandemic threat. More specifically the
objectivesoftheplanareto:
Rapidlyidentifysuspectedandconfirmedcases.
Isolateandtreatinordertodelaythespreadofthediseaseorsuspecteddisease.
Utilisepersonalprotectiveequipmenttoprotectthoseatrisk.
Standardise assessment and management of patients with suspected influenza/other pandemic
disease.
Implementacommunity basedassessmentprogrammewithreferralstreamsintohospitalfacilities,
whereappropriate.
Implement an effective communication pathway/education/information exchange process
between the District, the Queensland Department of Health, the local community, (including the
localCouncil,GeneralPractice,etc)healthcareworkers,otherpertinentagenciesandthemedia,if
required.
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1.3Pandemicphases
TheWorldHealthOrganisation(WHO)describessixglobalphasesofapandemicspread(Figure2).
TheAustralianphaseshavebeendevelopedwithintheconstraintsoftheWHOguidance.
Inordertoappropriatelymirrorthepandemicphases,thisplanenvisagesdistinctpandemic
activationstages,asalsodescribedinFigure2.
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Figure2.TheWHOphasesofa
SourceQueenslandPandemicInfluenzaPlan2009
Section2PandemicEmergencyResponseActivation
The activation of this subplan will occur automatically upon activation of the Queensland Health
Pandemic Plan, which would typically be initiated eitherby the Chief Health Officerof Queensland
Health,orifdelegated,bythePopulationHealthUnitMedicalOfficeroranotherappropriateofficer
withintheQueenslandHealthOutbreakControlCentre.
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TheSCHSDwillrespondinaphasedapproach,inlinewiththeevolutionofthePandemicInfluenza
basedonthelevelofinformationorseverityoftheemergency.
A pandemic influenza emergency or other pandemic emergency will constitute a CODE BROWN
EXTERNALEMERGENCY. Suchasituationmayinvolvethesuccessiveinfluxofpatientsoveraperiod
of612weekswhichislikelytooverwhelmDistrictresources.
Figure3:PandemicActivationPhasesandActionList
1.AlertPhase4
Notification of human infection overseas: small clusters consistent with limited
humantohuman.
Transmission spread highly localised, suggesting the virus is not well adapted to
humans.
1.1Actions
ReviewtheSCHSDPandemicSubPlanaswellastheoverallEmergencyResponse
Plan.
Identify members of the HEOC, make contact with each member and reinforce
responsibilities.
1.2SpecificDuties
Establishandverifyfullyoperationalcontrolroomfacilitiesandcommunicatedaily
withtherelevantHEOCmembers.(ThisistheresponsibilityoftheDutyManager,
HEOC.SeeActionCard5)
Holdaseniorstaffmeetingtodisseminateinformationregardingthealert.Ideally
thisshouldincludetheDistrictLeadershipTeam(DLT),TheIncidentManagement
Team (IMT), designated Service Directors and ancillary staff likely to be
significantlyimpactedbytheevent.
The decision to hold the meeting rests with the Health Incident Controller (HIC)
(SeeActionCard1).
ResponsibilityforensuringalllogisticsrestswiththeHealthCommander(HC)(see
ActionCard2).
Consideration is to be given to presenting information regarding the Pandemic
Influenza /other pandemic alert and the implementation of emergencyplans in a
seriesofforumstoalllevelsofstaff,ifpracticable.
Identify ways to augmentmedical, nursing and other healthcarestaffing to
maintainappropriatestandardsofcareduringanoutbreak/pandemic.Thiswould
Involve liaison with the District Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services,
Executive Director Allied Health and the Executive Director People and Culture at
theinstigationofeithertheHICorHC.
Ensure all potentially impacted areas identify additional resource needs in the
event of a pandemic to serve as a guide for redeployment and/or resource
allocation.
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1.3DepartmentofEmergencyMedicine;ICU,DesignatedPandemicCohortWard
(4FW)andothercriticalareas,asnominated bytheChiefOperationsOfficeror
theHealthIncidentController.
Identifygapsinsecurityarrangementsandprepareadditionalstaff,ifrequired.
InitiateordersforPPEstockforatleasta21daytimehorizon,keepinginmindthe
likelihood of spread and severityof the pandemic. This elementof the response
mayneedtobeaugmenteddependantuponavailableinformation.
Developaplantosafelymoveandcohortaffectedorpotentiallyaffectedpatients
withinthefacility. Thismaymeandesignatinganentirewardforpandemic
influenza patients/other pandemic disease patients. Ward 4FW will be the
designated Pandemic Cohort Ward at Nambour General. The Acute ServicesUnit
(ASU) will normally be the designated Pandemic Cohort Ward at Gympie Health
Service. TheCaloundraHealthServiceCohortingWardwillbetheEastWard
Identifyadesignatedpandemicliftwhereapplicable(i.e.NambourandGympie
hospitals only) prepareequipment / signagefor potential cohort areasfor use in
laterstagesofresponse.
InitiateHospitalSurveillanceProtocols,givingdueregardtowhatisrecommended
bytheDirectorofInfectiousDiseases(ordelegate)andwithinavailableresources,
givenregardtootherclinicalnecessities.
Workinstructionsforshutdownofwardsandexitsaretobeapprovedand
triggersspecificallydefined.
Reviewregisterofallvulnerablepersonsandmakeappropriatecontact.
Reviewstaffingneeds,adjustedtoknownandpredictedpandemicattackrates.
ReviewAssessmentCentreguidelinesaspartofpreparationforthepotentialneed
tomountaresponseincorporatingsuchcentre(s)atalaterstage
Initiatethe stockpiling of antivirals and antibiotics in consultationwith higher
QueenslandHealthandQueenslandGovernmentstructures.
Conduct appropriate and intense infection control education across the Health
Service. This task is to be undertakenby all nominated staff and is the ultimate
responsibilityoftheHC.
Mediarepresentativetodisseminateapprovedinformationtothepublicandstaff.
2.StandbyPhase4&5(NoLocalclusters)
Thisoccurswhenadviceissufficienttowarrantpreparatoryactivitiesinreadiness
forafullresponse(Seepoint3).Smallandlargeclustersmaybeoccurringinother
partsofAustraliaduringthistime,suggestingthevirusisbecomingbetteradapted
to humans and demonstrating substantial pandemic risk. There may also be
increasedandsustainedtransmissionoverseas.
2.1Actions
Concerted and streamlined efforts to provide a consistent, yet informative
messagestoallstaffinthefaceoftheanticipatedsaturationofmediamessages.
TheDistrictmay berequiredtoprovideinformationtothepublicwithinthe
geographicboundariesoftheHSD,dependingonadvicefromhigherauthorities.
Maintain close contact with other healthcarefacilities including private hospitals
and nursing homes;Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Gympie Regional
Council staff, QAS and relevant District Disaster Management Groups (DDMG)
Please Note: Gympie Health Service is in a different DDMG to the rest of the
SCHSD.
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2.1SpecificDuties
Implement Bed Management Protocols for increasing bed capacity, under the
auspicesoftheHC.Thismayinvolvecancellationofsomeorallelectiveactivity,as
wellasopeningupunfundedbeds.
Ensure a designated ward (for example Ward4FW at NGH and ASU at Gympie)is
completelypreparedtoreceiveandcohortpandemicpatientswithnecessarystaff
education, Personal ProtectiveEquipment (PPE),pharmaceutical supplies, etc
beingattendedto.
The needto observenecessaryprecautions should be seenas a matterof priority
andcommunicatedtoallpersonslikelytobeexposed.
Prepare to close nonessential services such as community centres, outpatient
services, certain support functions, e.g. health promotion, planning, finance as
designatedbytheHC.
Open AssessmentCentreswith staff as per recommendations fromthe
QueenslandDepartmentofHealth,orasdesignatedbytheHC.
Considerpostingappropriatevisitorrestrictionsigns.
Implement asystem fordetecting andreportingsignsandsymptomsof
influenza/other pandemic disease among staff. This will necessarily involve
appropriate communication and staff education and will demand complete and
immediate involvement of all training and education staff within the District, as
instructedbytheHC.
Contact made with community and primary care providers (especially General
Practice).
Review the need for support to any patients on the vulnerable persons register
and make contingencies for patients on renal dialysis or those requiring home
oxygen,aswellasotherpatientsconsideredasrequiringassistance.
Implementphonetriage,ifconsiderednecessary.
Reviewproceduresforsupplyof antiviralsoranyothermedicationstopatientsin
thecommunity.
Enforce respiratory hygiene / cough etiquette or other precautions applicable to
the particular pandemic emergency. This is to be supported by an active
education program conducted by the Infection Control Service with full
cooperation of all District staff involved in education and under the overall
directionoftheHC.
Identifyatriskstaffandprovideinfluenzaandifclinicallydesirable,pneumococcal
vaccines(withconsent),orother pertinentvaccinesifavailable.
Make steps to proactively encourageinfluenza vaccinations in the local
community,ifapplicable.
HC to make contact with all major private hospitals to coordinate contingency
plans
3.ResponseinthelocalcommunityPhase5, 6a&6b
ThepandemiciseitherlocalisedintheHSDorwidespreadinAustralia.
3.1Actions
Ensure full implementation of this Pandemic Response SubPlan. The Districts
EmergencyResponseProceduresmustbeactivatedandtheHEOCorHEOCsmust
befunctional.
Controlroomfullystaffedona24hourbasis. ItistheresponsibilityoftheHealth
IncidentControllertoensurethatthishappens.
Continue media saturation of information to the public, as authorised by higher
authorities.
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3.2SpecificDuties
Establish clear lines of communication with Disaster ManagementHierarchy
(QueenslandDepartmentofHealth,theDDMC,etc.).
Prepare toopenStagingFacilitiesifcase numbersrequirethistotake place.
Staging facilities will normally be activated only in consultation with statewide
coordinators of response to the pandemic. See point 5.4 and 7.3 for further
details.
Referralpathwaysofpatientssuspectedofbeingaffectedbytheinfectiousagent
into the District should be strictly adhered to, preferably in collaboration with
DivisionsofGeneralPracticeandcommunityproviders.
Accessandegresscontrolsatallfacilitiesshallbe enforcedbysecuritypersonnel
atthedirectionoftheLogisticsOfficerandmustbestrictlyadheredto.
Screenallvisitorsandrestrictvisitornumbers,ifnecessary.
Implementcohort areas in wards, as required. Consider alternatives as this may
unnecessarily expose others to the infection (particularly in the Emergency
Departments)
Cohortstaffcaringforinfluenza/otherpandemicdiseasepatients.Thisisaroleof
the Operations Officer who is responsible for ensuring this occurs appropriately
andinamannerapprovedbytheHealthIncidentController.
CloseallnonessentialareasanddeploystafftohighimpactareasandAssessment
Centres.
Makebestattemptstoincreasesecurityatallfacilitieswithinavailableresources.
ProvidestaffwithtimelyantiviralprophylaxisaccordingtoQHrecommendations.
IdentifyMassVaccinationsites,ifnecessary.LocalCouncilandDeptofCommunity
Services assets should be considered as possible sites. This would be done in
consultationwiththelocalcouncilsandDDMGs.
Set upprocesses forprovisionofantiviralmedicationsandother supportfor
patientsquarantinedintheirnormalresidentiallocations.Thiswouldnormallybe
delegatedtotheLogisticsOfficer.
Active and ongoing liaison with the DDMGsvia the designated Hospital Liaison
Officers(HLO)istobemaintainedthroughouttheemergency.
4.StandDownandRecoveryPhase6cAus
The pandemic is subsiding and full resource demands have eased. Preparation
phaseforapossiblenextpandemicwave.Thefocusnowneedstoshiftto
recovery inthecommunity.
4.1Actions
Debrief,asenvisagedintheoverarchingEmergencyResponsePlan.
Preparereporting documentation including financial reportsof additional
pandemicrelatedexpenditure.
Reinstatenonemergencyservicesassituationallows.
Review lessons learnt and make preparations for a possible further wave of the
pandemic.
4.2SpecificDuties
CloseStagingandAssessmentFacilities,whenappropriate.
Maintain follow up of existing patients, especially those identified as being
vulnerable(includingRenalDialysisandhomeoxygenpatients).
Phaseoutwardcohortareas.
Assessmentalhealthneedsofstaffandvolunteers.
Ensure community liaison and information dissemination regarding the recovery
phase.
Take active part in the recovery, under the auspices of the local council(s) in
accordancewiththeappropriateQueenslandHealthplan(s).
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Section3TheDistrictHealthEmergencyOperationCentre(HEOC)
PandemicInfluenza/otherpandemicdiseaseemergency
Purpose:
Toensurecommand,controlandcoordinationduringapandemicemergency.
3.1Procedure:
3.1.1 Many characteristics of a pandemic that will guide the selection of response measures will
becomeapparentonlyafterthenewvirushasemergedandbeguntocauselargenumbersofcases.
The Population Health Unit (PHU) Medical Officer (MO) would normally advise the HSD when the
HEOCistobeactivated.
A HEOC may need to be established at more than 1 hospital dependant upon the severity of the
pandemic emergency; in these cases additional facility HEOCs will be required to report to the
PrimaryHEOCatNambourGeneralHospital.
3.1.2 Membership of the HEOC is outlined in the Districts Emergency Response PlanEach of the
designatedOfficerswillbeissuedwithaspecificactioncard identifyingtheirroleand
responsibilities during the pandemic response. The action cards which are readily available in the
HEOC room, represent a tailored version of the generic action cards included in the Emergency
ResponsePlan. SpecificactioncardsforpandemicresponseareincludedinAnnexure1.
For further information refer to the Emergency Response Plan, Sunshine Coast
HealthServiceDistrict.
Section4DistrictCommunicationsforPandemicEmergencyResponse
The HEOC room will be the centre for management of incoming and outgoing information.The
PrimaryDistrict HEOC would normally besituated in theComputerTraining Room,Block 3 Level4,
Nambour General Hospital. Gympie and Caloundra Hospitals have the ability to establish a HEOC
anddependingontheextentoftheEmergencyoneormoreHEOCmaybeinoperationatthesame
time.
The decision to establish HEOC in either Nambour, Gympie or Caloundra Hospital rests with the
HIC.CommunicationcascadeswillfollowtheDistrictsEmergencyResponsePlan.
4.1COMMUNICATIONSEQUIPMENT
TheHEOCisequippedwiththefollowingcommunicationequipment:
Analogue Phones, Dect Phones, Mobile Phones, Digital Phones, Computers, facsimile machine and
handheldradios.
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4.3SPECIFICCOMMUNICATIONSROLES
Thefollowingofficerswillberesponsibleforspecificlinesofcommunication
4.3.1 Health Liaison Officers (Nursing Director Emergency Services Proxy Director Medical
ServicesGympie)
The Health Liaison Officerwill actas Queensland Healths representativeproviding the single point
ofcontactforcommunicationandliaisingwithotheragenciesintheirrespectiveDDMGareas.
4.3.2 CNC Infection Control Coordinator (Director of Infectious Diseases Proxy Infectious
DiseasePhysician)
TheInfectionControlCoordinatorwillprovideongoingadvice,informationandeducationtoclinical
staff throughout the pandemic response,as requestedby the Health Commander. Communication
and liaison with the Department of Emergency Medicine (DEM) will be continuous. An increased
infection control contractwith the Districts DEMs is required on a day to day basis to ensurethat
ongoingadviceisreadilyavailable.
Peopleand Culture Serviceswill also provide adviceto HEOC managersand staff regarding
personnel issues that may emerge during the pandemic response. If required by the Health
Commander, People and Culture personnel will avail themselves to promptly call in additional
workforceasneeded.
PeopleandCultureServiceswillalsoassistandsupportstaffthroughtheDistrictEmployee
AssistanceProgram.
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SunshineCoastHealthServiceDistrictHealthPandemicResponseSubPlanCommunicationLines
Communicationwith:
DCEO
Higherauthorities
Corporateoffice
Externalagencies
HealthIncident
Controller
Communications
Coordinator
DutyManager
HEOC
Health
Information
AdminOfficer
HEOC
Communicationwith
theMedia
District
Engineering
Coordinator
FinanceAdmin
Officer
HealthSector
commanders
InfectionControl
Coordinator
Operations
DEDMS
PlanningOfficer
SurgicalGroup
Director
CNCInfection
Control
People&Culture
HRadvice&
supporttoHEOC.
Providetimely
messagestostaff
withintheDistrict
Externalagency
liaisononDDMG
Activation
Allincomingexternalcommunicationmustbereferred
initiallytothedepartmentmanager,andthenescalated
totheLogisticsOfficerforappropriateactionand
direction.Nostaffmembershouldreleaseinformationto
anexternalagencywithoutapprovaloftheHEOC.
MedicalGroup
Director
CriticalCare
Coordinator
Pathology
Coordinator
Community
IntegratedSub
AcuteServices
Women&
Families
Clinical Departments.
MedicalandNursingStaff.
Allincomingexternalcommunicationmustbereferred
initiallytothedepartmentmanager,andthenescalated
totheMedical/SurgicalGroupDirectorforappropriate
actionanddirection.Nostaffmembershouldrelease
informationtoanexternalagencywithouttheapprovalof
theHEOC.
Doublearrowheaddenotestwowaycommunication
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Themanagementofpatientspresentingwithpandemiclikesymptoms isaimedat:
Therapididentificationofsuspectedandconfirmedcases.
Delayingthespreadofthediseasethroughcaseisolation,rapidtreatmentandtheprovision
ofantiviralsandpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE)tothoseatrisk.
Minimising the number of health care workers exposed to patients with the pandemic
infection , and ensuring that those staff who are allocated to the assessment and care of
influenzapatientsmaintainoptimalinfectioncontrol.
Collection of epidemiological and clinical data on cases to inform clinical management and
publichealthdecisions.
DecreasingpandemicinfectionpatientpresentationstotheEmergencyDepartment.
5.1InitialAssessment
Initial assessmentof any pandemic infection casesis to be in the EmergencyDepartmentin
the first instance, and within the assessmentcentresas theyare activatedthroughout the
District.
An isolation assessmentarea will be established in the Departmentof EmergencyMedicine
withdesignatedclinicalstafftoensurerapidassessmentandtransfer.
Triage administration and nursing staff are to wear face masks and any other necessary
Personal Protective Equipment as directed by Infection Control Resource Person (ICRP),
whichisaroledefinedinsection6.1.
Itmay be necessary todivert suspectedinfectiouspatientstooutsidewaitingareas if
clinicallyandenvironmentallyappropriate.
Anyone suspected to have pandemic infection or symptoms is to spend no more than one
hourintheEmergencyDepartment/Assessmentarea,ifpracticable.
Follow up: The relevant Health Sector Commander is to dedicate nursing staff to contact
patients with results of microbiology investigations and recommendationsfor
treatment/contact care.Administrativestaffaretoassistwithobtainingswabresults,
arrangingcontactwithpatientsandkeepingrecordsuptodate.
It is necessary for the Health Commander to monitor ED activity in all facilities to assess
needforadditionalmedicalandnursingsupport. Itmaybenecessarytoreallocate
resourcestoEDifrequiredtoensurerapidassessmentandpatientflowismaintained.
Recordpatient attendance using appropriate form,collating this information for daily
reporting.
5.2 InfluenzaAssessmentCentres
In the event of a more widespread epidemic the HEOC will activate additional onsite and/or
offsite alternate assessment centres. The offices charged with taking such decisions are the
HIC and the HC only. The SCHSD has identified specific sites for the assessment of pandemic
patients,aslistedinsection6.7.
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Theaimofoffsiteassessmentcentresistodecreasepatientpresentationstohospitals,thereby
facilitating prompt and appropriate care for the sickest individuals and reducing the risk of
transmission. The aim of onsite assessment centres is to cohort potentially affected patients
away from Emergency Departments and enable processing of patients with flulike symptoms
whoselfpresenttotriageinastandardisedmanner.
5.3InfluenzaAssessmentCentreFunctions
Inthepostcontainmentstage,whenwidespread transmission isoccurringinthecommunity,it
will be necessary to provide standard assessment, triage and management of patients with
suspected pandemic infection in accordance with prevailing protocols. Cases will be streamed
for:
careathomewithvaryinglevelsandtypesoffollowup.
forintermediatecareinpandemicstagingfacilities.
foradmissiontohospital.
Epidemiological and clinical data on patients who present with Pandemic infection will be
collectedtoinformongoingclinicalmanagementandpublichealthdecisions.
5.4InfluenzaStagingFacilities
A pandemic staging facility is defined as a facility to accommodate patients where it is
impractical to manage them at home or in hospital. The role will vary according to the size of
the pandemic but would, in general, have a supportive role rather than an interventional one.
The management of pandemic patientsat staging facilities will enable acute care beds to be
available for the critically ill. Pandemic staging facilities will be activatedby the HIC or the HC
only..
Stagingfacilitieswill:
Providecareandsupport,includinggeneralnursingandmedicalcare,topatientswhereitis
impracticaltomanagethemathomeorinhospital.
Decreaseadmissionsofpatientstohospitalsthatdonotrequireahighlevelofmedicalcare,
therebyallowinghospitalstoprovidecaretoagreaternumberofcriticallyillpatients.
5.5 PandemicStagingFacilityConsiderations
The use of staging facilities will require additional human resources.Managementwill need to
be clearlydefinedfor all staff workingin the staging facility. This includes the ability to engage
additional staff, if available. This will be the responsibility of the Logistics Officer who will
recommendan appropriate facilitymanagerfor eachstaging facilitytotheHIC,prior to
opening. The Planning Officer will consider appropriate business continuity provisions with
regard to planned ongoing staff requirements,including relief for the staging facility manager.
The Operations Officer in the HEOC will be charged with investigating avenues for temporarily
credentialingMedicalOfficers,inconsultationwiththeHealthCommander.
Thetypesofcarethatmayberequiredhavebeenbrokenupintothreelevels.Theselevelsmay
be integrated into one facility or a number of facilities with different levels of care depending
onthecapacityofhealthservicestoprovidetheseservices:
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5.6 Site Selection A total of 4 sites in the SCHSD have been identified for use as staging
facilities:
SiteOne
University of the Sunshine Coast
Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
UBDRefMap78N18
TheUniversityCampushasmanyareasthatcouldbeusedforreception/registrationand
accommodation.Twospecificareas withintheuniversitycomplexhavebeen identifiedas
meetingtheneedsofpotentialpatientsduringapandemicemergency.
SiteTwo
AlexandraParkConferenceCentre
13MariStreetAlexandraHeadland
Qld4572
UBDRef.Map69N17
The centre is operated by the Uniting Church Conference Centres and consists primarily of a
largecentralbuildingandtwodormitorybuildingssetinbushland.Floorplansforeachbuildingare
included in this file. There is also a swimming pool, games room and camping areas with
amenitiesblocks.Twoamenitiesblocksservicethiscampingarea.
SiteThree
LutherHeightsYouthCampLocation:DavidLow
Way,Coolum(approximately1.5kmssouthof
CoolumBeachUBDRefMap49L2
ThecentreisoperatedbytheLutheranChurchandconsistsoftwoareas,CrossRidgeCampand
ChapelHillCamp(lowerleftofattachedgroundplan)
SiteFourGympie
ThePavilion(Conference&ReceptionCentre)
ExhibitionRoad
Gympie,QLD4570
EnterthroughExhibitionRoad(accessavailablethroughRamsayRoad)
(Seescannedmapsattached)
ThePavilionisoperatedbytheGympieRegionalCouncilandconsistsprimarilyofalargecentral
buildingwithassociatedsmallerbuildings(storage).Anundercoversportsareaislocated
directlytotheConferenceCentre(triage/waitingarea).Theentryhasalargecoveredcarport
areaforallweatheraccess.ThePavilionislocatedinSouthsideGympie,justminutesfromthe
CBD.
Attributes:
Modernmultipurposefacility
Canaccommodatefunctionsforupto1500people
Twolevels:Largeopenarea(indoorBasketballcourt)onthegroundfloor(includingbarand
kitchen/diningarea)andConferenceRooms(largeandsmall)andarestaurantandbaronthe
firstlevel
Liftsfordisabledaccess
Secureparking(limitless)thisvenuecoversmanyhectares
Fullyequippedkitchensonbothlevels
OfficeFacilities:copier,faxandbroadbandavailable
5.7StagingFacilitiesEquipment
It will be necessary to supply equipment for the everyday running of the pandemic staging
facility.Thismaybeachievedthroughanumberofmechanisms:
Useofolderequipmentthathasbeenwellmaintained.
Taking steps to identify what equipment is unable to be provided and sourcing it from other
healthservices(includingprivatefacilities).
If unable to source equipment through the above avenues, request equipment from the
DDMGthroughtherespectiveHLO.
Stores and equipment (including telephones, computers, fax machines, photocopiers and
office material and equipment) will require secure accommodation. Security includes
security access forvisitors andstaff, security ofmedications andsafe environmentfor
patientsandstaff.
Equipmentprepackaged
The following boxes are a guide to assist in preparing to establish a staging facility. Planners will
need to identify what is relevant to their area taking into consideration the size of the staging
facility and staff availability. The quantity of items may be adjusted to the needs of each Staging
Facility
Box1PPEEquipmentandConsumables
Box2Doctor/NurseOfficeEquipment
Box3ResuscitationEquipmentandDrugs
Box4IVinsertionequipmentandconsumables
Box5LaboratoryEquipment
Box6AdministrationBox
Box7EmergencyAccommodationLiteratureforStaff
Box8Linenandwastemanagementconsumablesandequipment
TheLogisticsOfficerwillberesponsiblefortheprocurementandpackagingoftheboxes.
5.8 ServicesRequiredForStagingFacility
Essentialsupportservicesrequiredfortheprovisionofcareatstagingfacilitiesinclude:
Security.
Communicationcapability.
MaintenanceandCleaning.
Laundry.
Environmental/cleaningservices.
Sterilisation services It is recommended that a system be developed to provide
sterilisation services, this may need to be an accredited facility off site. The amount of
equipment requiring sterilisation is likely to be quite small as disposable stock is mainly
used.
Pharmaceutical services It is recommended that staging facilities have pharmaceutical
support.
Dailysuppliesrestock.
Medicalwastedisposal/storage.
Mortuary/funeralservices.
Foodservices (forpatientsandstaff).
Adequatehandhygienestationsareavailable.
Wasteremovalservices.
5.9InfectionControlatPandemicStagingCentres
Infection control principles will be as per normal routine, during a pandemic response, including
segregationofpatientwithPandemicinfection.TheInfectionControlCoordinatorwilladviseonbed
spacing,andanyotherspecialconsiderationsthatemerge.
5.10ManagementofthePandemicStagingfacilitySite
ToprovidestagingfacilitiesineachHealthServiceDistrictwillrequireacoordinatedapproach
by multiple agenciesincluding GeneralPractice,Domiciliary Services,other Health ServiceDistricts,
Private Hospitals, District Disaster Management Group and volunteer organisations. There needs
to be an agreed management structure and service delivery arrangement for all services. Each
providermustacceptandimplementthedelegatedtasks.Specificactivitieswillinclude:
Staff communication regular meetings need to be organised to keep staff informed
concerningpatientnumbersandchangingstaffinglevels.
Debriefingstaffandvolunteersworkinginstagingfacilitieswillbeprovidingverybasiccarein a
very busy working environment. To reduce stress and maintain staff morale consider staff
debriefing/counselling will be readily available and it would normally be the facility managers
responsibilitytoensurethishappens.
Rostering the rostering of personnel should receivespecial attention to ensureadequaterest,
mealbreaksanddelegationoftasks.
Specialconsiderationshouldbegiventothefollowing:
Familygroupsshouldbekepttogether.
Assistance for groups with identified special needs and those of different cultural,
ethnic/religiousidentities.
Consideration to usual social norms, customs and practices may not be adhered to during a
pandemicemergency
5.11 PandemicStagingCentreHumanResources
The number of people required will vary depending on the number of beds/mattresses in each
stagingfacilityandthetypesofclinicalservices provided.Thereisnominimumstaffingstandardset
forthissituation,andassessmentwillbemadeonanongoingbasisaccordingtonumberandacuity
of patients and the availability of resources. During the Pandemic Emergency staff may be
requestedto undertakeroles and responsibilities not usually contained in their Role Descriptionor
ScopeofPractice.
Section6InfectionControl
The aim of the initial response to a pandemic is usually to contain the spread of the virus. Along
with the judicious use of antiviral medications (in line with any Public Health
recommendations), crucial strategies for containing the spread of the infectious agent include
detection and isolation of cases, identification and monitoring of contacts, adherence to infection
control precautions, and in some instances, measures such as quarantine to restrict the
movementofpotentiallyinfectedpersons.
Pandemic Influenza and most other pandemic agents require Airborne Precautionsandtherefore
asingleroomwithnegativepressureairflowisideal,unlessthenumberofpatientsnecessitatesthe
useofentirewardsasperrecommendedcohortareas.
Information about the following specific aspects relevant to the prevailing influenza strain(s)
/other pandemic disease will be sought from Queensland Healths Population Health Unit or
anotherappropriatesourceonanongoingbasis:
Transmissioncharacteristics.
Incubationperiod.
Infectiousperiodoftheaffected.
Casedefinition.
Contactdefinition.
Specificaspectsofinfectioncontrolprecautions.
Protectiveequipmentdetailsintermsofrequirementsforstaffclinicalandnonclinical.
Cleaninganddisinfectionrecommendations.
Assessmentandmanagementofcases.
SpecificadvicewillbesoughtshouldthepandemicemergencynotberelatedtoInfluenzaSeelist
onpage3forsomeotherpossiblepandemicemergencies
TheresponsibilitiesoftheICRPwillbeto:
EnsurethatanInfectionControlEmergency Kitiscollectedfromnominatedlocation
(EmergencyDepartmentin each hospital) and dispatched to areas receiving affectedpatients.
Thispackcontainspersonalprotectiveequipment.
Listpatientswithinfections/infectiousdiseasesrequiringAirborneorSpecialPrecautions.
Thelististobekeptupdatedona24hourbasisuntilstanddownofthisplanoruntilotherwise
advised by the HIC or HC. The Infection Control Clinical Nurse Consultant or the Infectious
DiseasesPhysicianwilladviseonthemanagementofthesepatientsifrelocationisnecessary.
TakeinstructionsfromtheInfectionControlCoordinator.
6.2 RolesandresponsibilitiesTheInfectionControlCoordinator
The Infection Control Coordinator, as detailed in the Emergency Response Plan (or designated
person)will:
Provideleadershipandappropriate,ongoingadvicetoallInfectionControlStaff.
Supportaffectedareawithreplacementofsharpscontainers,linenandwastemanagementif
required.
Ensure that Infection Control Emergency Kits which are located in the Emergency
Departmentaredispatchedtotheappropriatearea.
Coordinatethemanagementofstaffsustainingasharpsinjury/bodyfluidexposure.
Overseethereuseofpatientcareequipment(withInfectionControlResourcePerson).
Maintainliaisonwitheach appointedInfectionControlResource Person andadviseon
managementofpatientswithinfectiousdiseases.
Liaise with Health Sector Commanders regarding soiled linen, clinical waste managementand
foodhygienepractices.
Liaise with Engineering Coordinator (or delegate) regarding any current or foreseen
problemswith:
o Airhandlingsystems.
o Watersupply(especiallydrinkingwater)
Upon deactivation of the emergency response, collaborate with the emergency response
committee in the production of an evaluation report detailing the positive and negative
aspectsoftheDistrictsresponse.
Take instructions from the designated memberof the HEOC as per the District Emergency
ResponsePlan.
6.3Equipmentandresources
In order to ensure that resources are directed appropriately, coordination and allocation of
resources will be overseen by the Logistics Officer and the Health Sector Commanders in
accordance with their respective Action Cards. The Infection Control Coordinator will advise
regardingthetype,natureanduseofresources.
6.4 InfectionControlEmergencyKit
A Kit will be issued to areas receiving affected patients. This pack contains personal protective
equipmentandwillbesourcedandprovidedbytheInfectionControlDepartment.
6.5ControlDisasterKit
In order to minimise the risk of infection transmission from patient to staff; staff to patient; and
patient to patient (via staff or patient care equipment) a Control Disaster Kit should exist in
Nambour (2 kits), Caloundra (1 kit) and Maleny (1 kit). The Control Disaster Kit will be clearly
named and have a list of contents visible on the outside. The Infection Control Department is
accountable for maintenance of the kits. Their contents should be checked at least annually and
reportedtotheEmergencyResponseCommittee. GympieHospitalhasanARTBox.
INFECTIONCONTROLDISASTERKITCONTENTS(Nambour,CaloundraandMalenyHospitals)
ITEM EXPIRY
10 Disposablefluidresistantgown
10 Plasticaprons
4 Boxesnonsterilegloves:sm(1),med(1),lge(1),xlge(1)
6 Pairssterilegloves:7(2),7(2),8(2)
5 Protectiveeyewear
1 Boxsurgicalmasks
1 Boxsurgicalmaskswithvisor
2 Alcoholhandrub(orgel)
1 Containermoistcleansingwipes
4 Scrubbrushes(2chlorhex/2pov.Iodine)
1 Liquidsoaphandwash(500mlwithplunger)
1 Largesharpscontainer
5 Smallsharpscontainers
5 Injectiontrays
5 Yellowbiohazardbags
5 Clearwastebags
3 Clothlinenbags
1 Bottleneutraldetergent(500ml)
20 Cleaningcloths
1 Isowipes
1 Eyeirrigationsolution
ART (Airborne/RespiratoryTransmission)BOXCONTENTS(GympieHospital)
Gloves(small,med,large)
Gowns(longsleevedimpermeable)andaprons
Masks(Surgical(withandwithoutvisors)andN95/P2)
Eyewear/goggles
Headandshoecovers
AlcoholHandRub
Stethoscope,thermometer(tympanic)
Wastebags(generalandcontaminated)
Cleaningsolutionandcloths
Signage(contact,droplet,airborne,restrictedentrysignage,handhygienesignage,staff
onlysignage,InfluenzaClinicsignage)
6.6 NegativePressureRooms
Negativepressureroomsarethoseroomswhichbydesignhaveventilationthatenables
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Affected patients requiring admission to hospital will be directed to one specific cohort area,
minimising the opportunity for spread of infection throughout the hospital. Affected patients
isolation and minimisation of the spread of infection by way of an air pressure differential
between the room and the adjoining room called the ante room or corridor. Please note that
thetermMagnahelicreferstoabrandortypeofgaugeusedtomeasureairpressure.
Singlenegativepressureroomsarelocatedat:
6.6.1Nambour Hospital
Ward1C(Rooms5&6)SharedanteroomNoNegPressureMagnahelic
Ward1B(Rooms5&6)SharedanteroomNoNegPressureMagnahelic
Ward2B(Rooms5&6)SharedanteroomNoNegPressureMagnahelic
MAPU(NewArea)singleenclosedRoomNoNegPressureMagnahelicnoanteroom
ICU(Rooms1&2)BothroomsNegPressureMagnahelic,noanteroom
Department of Emergency Medicine Isolation room at Ambulance Bay Entry to Resuscitation
bays,Noanteroom,NegpressureMagnahelic
Room9NegpressureMagnahelicandanteroom.
NegpressureMagnahelicandanteroominDEMPaediatricssection
Isolationroomin/observationareaNoanteroom,NoNegPressureMagnahelic
Ward2FWestRooms10,11&1. NegpressureMagnahelicandanteroom
Ward4FWestRooms11,12,13&14NegpressureMagnahelicandanteroom.
6.6.2CaloundraHospital
Ward(Room7)NegpressureMagnahelicandanteroom
RAU(Room4)IsolationRoomExhaustFanwithanteroom
DepartmentofEmergencyMedicine(Singleroom) NoAnteRoomNegPressureMagnehelic
PleasenotethattheDepartmentofEmergencyMedicineatCHSbeingexpandedinnear
FutureCHSDEMwillhave2roomsfollowingredevelopment
6.6.3MalenyHospital
Therearenonegativepressureroomsatthisfacility
6.6.4GympieHospital
There are no Australian Standard compliant negative pressure rooms at this facility.Gympie
Health Service does have some rooms with Negative Pressure capability however they are not
compliant with the current standards i.e. they have no ante room and/or ensuite. There are
also some other rooms which have independent ventilation. Whilst not ideal these should be
utilisedinapandemicresponsetominimisethespreadofinfection.
If a negative pressure room is not available the affected person should be accommodated in a
single room with its own ensuite, and the door must remain closed. The room should be left
vacantfortwohoursafterdischargebeforeitisusedforanotherpatient.Strictadherencemust
be given to other precautions and cleaning protocols as directed by the Infection Control
Coordinator(ordelegate).
6.7 RecommendedCohortAreasandAssessmentCentreLocations.
6.7.1NambourHospitalarrangements
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will therefore be located at Nambour Hospital on Ward 4FW. This will be the first ward to
accept patients with influenzalike symptoms. As the pandemic becomes more widespread,
wards on level 3, block 3 will be utilised also. Appropriate ongoing staff training and skill
maintenance in these areas in preparation for a pandemic response is required and it is the
responsibility of the District Director of Nursing and Midwifery to ensure this routinely occurs.
All pandemic patients are to be admitted via the EmergencyDepartment Using the designated
liftinBlock7theywillcomeuptoFloorTwoandwillthenbetransportedviathelinkwaytothe
Block 3 staff lift. Both Lifts will be dedicated as pandemic lifts for the extent of the Pandemic
Emergency.If the required response involves designating multiple inpatient areasfor cohorting
ofaffectedpandemicpatients,thismayneedtobeincreasedtotwoliftsatthedirectionofthe
OperationsOfficer.ThiswillmeandesignatingoneliftinBlock6asaPandemicLiftandutilising
bothorangeliftsinblock3iftwoliftsarerequired.
AstheresponsebecomesmoreextensiveitmaybenecessarytoopenanAssessmentCentrethat is
physically separate from the Emergency Department. The designated location for such an
AssessmentCentreatNambourHospitalistheSpecialistOutpatientsDepartment(SOPD)inBlock3
Level 1. Patients will need to be directed to this location from the Emergency Department.
Considerationtoappropriatesignageshouldbegivenwithpatientsenteringfromthemainentrance
directlyintoSOPDwhereverpossible.
The generalentrancescurrentlyin use will require securityand signageto block access. Depending
on nature and severity of the pandemic emergency consideration can be given to
directadmission of patients via the rear of Block 3 using the staff lift entry foyeras a triage/
preadmissionareaifrequired.
6.7.2GympieHospitalarrangements:
The Acute Service Unit (ASU) at Gympie Hospital will be the dedicated Pandemic Infection
Unit. All inpatients are to be reviewed by a Senior Medical Officer to determine the need for
continual admission. This information is to be presented at the Bed Management Meeting held
twicedailyatthepeakofthepandemic.
The Bed Management Meeting will be attended by the Director of Nursing, Nursing and Medical
RosterCoordinators9howevertitled),CHIPNurseandtheNurseUnitManagerstoexaminethebed
occupancy status, to plan for best use of resources(material and human) and to analyseresources
(community/othersupportservices)neededtoassistintheearlydischargeofpatients.
In order to accommodate any anticipated large numbers of patients presenting to the Gympie
Hospital,anAssessmentCentremaybeestablished,andthisshouldbeconsideredwhenmorethan
3 people present to the Emergency Department within an 8 hour period; or if there is
confirmedPandemicinfectioninthelocalgeographicalarea.
Lift 1 at GympieHospital will be the designated pandemic lift (Lift will needto be programmedto
only go to level 1and it will be the responsibility of the Logistics Officer (or delegate) toensure
thatthistakesplace).
ManagementofPatientCohortsGympieHospital
NonPandemicPatients
Triage AcutepatientstobedirectedtotheEmergencyDepartment.
AllnonacutepresentationstobereferredtoGP.
PandemicPatients
InformationDistribution All patients for assessment will be given information at the Information
Booth at the Front Entrance, the purpose of which will be to provide
information about where patients are to present, depending on their
symptoms.
Triage Patients with pandemic specific symptoms will be directed tothe
courtyard outside the Chemotherapy Unit, where staff will perform an
initial assessment. Those requiring further medical assessment and
treatment will be asked to wait in the courtyard or if their condition
warrantsit, theywill beallocatedto an examinationroom.Admissionstaff
are to ensure they are aware of the signs and symptoms of the prevailing
illness causing the pandemic, the requirementsfor isolation, contact
details of the Sunshine Coast Population Health Unit and the infection
controlpracticesthat can preventthe transmissionof disease. Discharged
patients must exit via the back exit/ramp to ensure a one way flow of
traffic. Those requiring admission after medical examination, will be
requiredtowearasurgicalmaskduringtransporttothehospitalrooms.
WaitingArea Toavoidtheovercrowdingandprovidefreshairflowtoavoidcross
contamination, the courtyard will act as a covered waiting area. Chairs
should be placed 1 meter apart. Water must be provided to reduce
dehydration
Possible
PandemicPatients
6.7.3CaloundraHospitalarrangements
CaloundraSOPD(SurgicalOutpatientDepartment)
ManagementofPatientCohortsCaloundra Hospital
NonPandemicPatients
Triage AcutepatientstobedirectedtotheEmergencyDepartment.
AllnonacutepresentationstobereferredtoGP.
PandemicPatients
InformationDistribution AllpatientsforassessmentwillbegiveninformationattheFrontEntrance,
and entrance to the Emergency Department the purpose of which will be
to provideinformationaboutwherepatientsare to present,dependingon
theirsymptoms.
Triage Patients with pandemic specific symptoms will be directed tothe
courtyard outside the Chemotherapy Unit, where staff will perform an
initial assessment. Those requiring further medical assessment and
treatment will be asked to wait in the courtyard or if their condition
warrantsit, theywill beallocatedto an examinationroom.Admissionstaff
are to ensure they are aware of the signs and symptoms of the prevailing
illness causing the pandemic, the requirementsfor isolation, contact
details of the Sunshine Coast Population Health Unit and the infection
controlpracticesthat can preventthe transmissionof disease. Discharged
patients must exit via the back exit/ramp to ensure a one way flow of
traffic. Those requiring admission after medical examination, will be
requiredtowearasurgicalmaskduringtransporttothehospitalrooms.
WaitingArea Toavoidtheovercrowding andprovidesfreshairflowtoavoidcross
contamination, the courtyard will act as a covered waiting area. Chairs
should be placed 1 meter apart. Water must be provided to reduce
dehydration
Possible
PandemicPatients
6.7.4MalenyHospitalarrangements
ManagementofPatientCohortsMalenyHospital
NonPandemicPatients
Triage AcutepatientstobedirectedtotheEmergencyDepartment.
AllnonacutepresentationstobereferredtoGP.
PandemicPatients
InformationDistribution All patientsfor assessmentwill be giveninformationat the TriageCentre
located atthefront oftheHospital where theywill be provided with
appropriateinstructionastodisposition.
Triage Patients with pandemic specific symptoms will be directed tothe
Pandemic treatment area that will be located at the Maleny Showground
Pavilion, where the Pandemic action team will perform an initial
assessment and organise appropriate disposition and treatment. The
Maleny ShowgroundPavilionis a self containedarea with toilet and
kitchenfacilities. It is capableof being isolatedwith one way patientflow
to avoid cross contamination. Depending on the pandemic appropriate
treatment and isolation protocols will be followed in consultation with
Sunshine Coast Public Health Unit. In a widespread pandemic, wherever
possible,patientswouldbetreatedlocallytopreventfurtherspreadofthe
infection.
WaitingArea Waiting area with shade will be provided at thefront ofthe Pavilion.
Appropriateinfectioncontrolandcomfortmeasureswillbeimplemented.
Possible
PandemicPatients
MalenyHospitalcurrentlyhasthecapacitytoventilateonepatient.
6.7.5PossibleExternalAssessmentCentreLocations
BeachRd.CommunityCentre,Maroochydore
SixthAveCommunityCentre,Maroochydore
NoosaCommunityCentre
DentalClinic,NambourPrimarySchool,CoronationAvenueNambour
External Assessment Centres may be made operational at the discretion of the HIC or the
HealthCommanderonly.
Consideration should be given to linking into the local Council infrastructure(both Sunshine
Coast and Gympie regional Councils) and also with the Dept of Communities assets (via the
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DDMG).The Hospital Liaison Officer(s) (HLO) may be able to provide assistance in this regard
viatherelevantDistrictDisasterManagementGroups(DDMG)andLocalDisasterManagement
Group(LDMG)
In the event of an emergency the medical/surgical group directors will collaborate with the
Health Sector Commanders to facilitate proactive discharges/transfer of patients to other
facilities.
6.9Transferofpatientsinboundfromassessmentcentres/stagingfacility.
Allpatientswillbeassessedandtransferredintohospitaliftheyfulfiltheadmissioncriteria.
Admission documentation, specimen work ups should be completed by referring facility
wherepossible.
The bed manager will be alerted to the need for admission, estimated time of arrival and
conditionofpatients.
The patient will then be transferred directly to the cohort ward unless their condition is
deemed to be life threatening, in which case the patient will be assessed in DEM upon
arrival.
Local private hospitals will be approached by the Health Commander in the event that an
eligiblepatientcannotbeaccommodated,asrequired.
Section7BedManagementinaPandemicResponse
Effective management of inpatient beds within the District is essential during a response to a
pandemic emergency. The allocation of beds will be overseen by the Operations Officer and
implementedby the BedManagementTeamthrough whom all admissions will be referredand
managed.
Alldischargesandtransfersshouldbecompletedandnotifiedasearlyaspossibleintheday,
preferably by 09:00 am or as demand indicates. The Nurse Unit Manager/Team Leader of
each ward is assigned with identification of all dischargeable patients by 7.00 am each
morning, once the Pandemic SubPlan is activated and inpatient cohorting begins. The
information must be communicated to the relevant medical Consultants or Registrars by
8.00ameachmorning (including theweekends). Anyproblems areto beescalatedto the
OperationsOfficerpromptly.
AdailyBedManagementmeetingisheldat11:00amtoreview:
o The currentbed status and the following daysplanned surgical activity and impact
onbeds.
o Projectedbedavailabilityforthenext24hours.
o Strategiestodealwithbedblock.
o Staffingresources.
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The Staging and AssessmentCentre Coordinators will contact the Bed Manager twice a daytogive
bedavailabilityupdatesandexpectedneedforhospitalbeds.
Any of the Districts Emergency Departments may initiate QAS redirection procedure when the
Pandemic Emergency is of a localised nature and where Referral Centres outside the
Sunshine Coast are able to take these patients. Once the Pandemic subplan is activated, it is
essential that such decisions are escalated to the relevant Health Sector Commander. These
decisions needto bealways communicatedtotheHealthCommander,as well astheHealthLiaison
OfficerHLO,inallcircumstancesandpromptly.
When unable to meet requests for a bed and when DEM is at capacity, the bed
managementteamwillalerttheOperationsOfficer,whowillinturnliaisewithotherHEOC
members to secure a resolution. The facilitatory role of the relevant Health sector
Commanderisparamountinanysuchinstance.
TheHealthSectorCommander(withtheapprovaloftheOperationsOfficer)may:
1. Admitsurgical/medicalpatientstoapprovedMentalHealthbedsfollowinganobjectiveassessment
ofoverallavailabilityandsuitability.
2.Cancelelectivesurgeryandsemielectivesurgery
3.FacilitateatransferofpatientstootherhealthservicesoutsideoftheSunshineCoastHealth
ServiceDistrict(bothpublicand/orprivate).
4. Admit patients beyond the wards normal capacity to accommodate patients requiring admission.
Normal risk management and risk mitigation principles are to apply in all suchcircumstanceswith
theaimofminimisingthepotentialforoverallharmonapopulation widebasis/inpreferenceto
individualcircumstances).
Specific provisions for any potential clients of Mental Health Serviceswho may also require treatment
for symptoms of thepandemic should bediscussed with theServicedirectororClinical Director of the
Mental Health service as soon as the Pandemic SubPlan is activated. This should involve potential
role/useoftheCommunityCareUnit,MountainCreekinaPandemic
7.1AmbulanceRedirection
Indicationsforredirectionareseparatedinto:
Capabilityissues(clinicalcomplexity).
Capacityissues(facilityoverload).
Atalltimes,capabilityissuesoverridecapacityissues.
Please note that redirection does not equate to complete bypass. If a particular patient is acute and
unable to travelto a more distant facility as assessedby the QAS(Queensland AmbulanceService), the
patient will be brought to an Emergency Department within the Sunshine Coast Health Service
District, at the direction of the Queensland Ambulance Service. The authorising officer in such
circumstances is the Operation Officer.The role of the Health Liaison Officer(HLO)isalsocrucialto
communicatinganyredirectiontoothers,asrequired.Thiswouldbehighlyrelevanttopoint7.2,below.
7.2QASSpecialconsiderationsduringacutephaseofthePandemic:
QASshould,asfaraspossible:referpatientswithpandemiclikesymptomstoAssessmentsCentres
(see section 7) or other available primary community providers, in the Shire oforigin.
Only patients with pandemiclike symptoms who fulfil the admission criteria are to be
transported directly to Nambour GeneralHospital. Admission criteria should be sought by
the HC from statewide authorities(e.g. the office of the Chief Health Officer) or the local
Population Health Unit, whichever is applicable. These should be distributed to the relevant
clinicians and also to the QAS. It will be necessary for the HIC to consider a public awareness
campaignearlyintheresponsetoensurethisideologyisfollowed.
Patients with Pandemiclike symptoms requiring admission are to be transferred directly to cohort
area,withtheexceptionofthoserequiringlifesavingintervention.
During a pandemic, the admission procedure for nonpandemic illnesses will remain the same,
pleaserefertostandardAdmission/BedManagementprotocols.
7.3StagingFacilities
This section is only relevant when Pandemic Infection occurs in smallmedium clusters
containedwithintheSunshineCoastRegion,theGympieregion,orasotherwisedecidedbytheHIC. In
the eventof a Phase6Australia wide Pandemic Influenza, otherfacilities maynot havethe capacity to
receive transfers and local solutions will need to be found. Additional deployment of staff to the
Emergency Departments and other critical areas would be crucial and this is a task that would be
coordinated by the Logistics Officer. This would be done with active involvement of Medical
AdministrationandPeopleandCulturestaff.
7.4ObservationWard
In the event of mass presentations of patients with pandemiclike symptoms, nonconventional areas
maybecomepartof theCohort areasfor Pandemic Assessments,seeCode Brown subplanforfurther
clarification.
Section8UnitConsiderations.
The pandemic response will impact on all services,both clinical and nonclinical but there are
particularconsiderationsthatwillberequiredfor:
TheIntensiveCareUnit,NambourHospital
MaternityServicesandSCBU(SpecialCareBabyUnit)
MentalHealthService,withaDistrictWideperspective
Renal/OncologyandHaematologyServices
Cardiology
8.1IntensiveCareUnit
The need for ICU beds will likely exceed available resources during a pandemic. The standard of care
thatisappliedinthesettingofalargescaledisasterisaslidingscaleofcareappropriatetotheresource
demands of the event. Limitations during a disaster must be acknowledged and a contingency plan
developedtomaximisecareprovision.
Thefollowingmanagementprincipleswillapply:
AllIntensiveCarestaffwillbefittedwithviralfiltrationmasks
TheICUwillbemanagedasaclosedunit
AdmissionpotentialwillbebasedonclinicalassessmentbytheICUMedicalstaff
Noelectivepatientswillbeadmitted
Onlyinvasivelyventilated(intubated)patientswillbeconsideredforadmission
Visitorswillbekepttoanabsoluteminimumduringstrictlyregulatedtimes.
Allvisitorsmustwearafittedandeffectiveviralmask
Anyvisitorsuspectedofharbouringthediseaseinquestionwillbeexcluded.Appropriatesignsto
thiseffectwillneedtobeplacedattheentrypointtotheICUandallstaffshouldbeadvised
accordingly.
Allpatientswillbeventilatedusingcloseddisposablecircuits.
Allpotentiallycontaminatedwastewillbedisposedofinaccordancewithinfectioncontrol
guidelines.
General precautions(disposablegown&gloves)willbepracticedbyallstaff,withall
patients.Itwillbenecessarytoreinforceimportanceofthiswithallstaff.
SinglecaseswillbemanagedinnegativepressureRooms1&2
In the event of more than 2 cases the area opposite the negative pressure rooms will beused.
Staffwillwherepossiblebecohortedtolookafterpatients.
ToassistwithstafflimitationsexperiencedICUnursesmayberequiredtosupervisethecarebeing
deliveredbylessexperiencedstaffdeployedtotheICU.
ClinicaldiscretioninallmatterslieswiththeunitDirectorordelegate.
8.2 Maternity/SpecialCareBabyUnitSpecialCareNursery
Alertthe birth suite prior to presentation of any antenatal patients who are due to givebirth
Postnatalwomentobemanagedathomewherepossibleeitherthroughphonecontactorhome
visitstodecreaselengthofstayoravoidreadmission.
Womenwho are pregnant and develop ILI (Influenza Like Illness) are best caredfor wherepossible
within a mainstream medical environment with the support of midwifery and
obstetric advice and consultation. Should women with pandemic infection be admitted to the
maternityunit in labour, theyshould be confined to a room with ensuite facilitiesthroughouttheir
stay.
Implementpredeterminedplan for birthing womenwith pandemic infection which isdeemed
asthemostclinicallyappropriate.
Women in labour who do not have a pandemic infection are to be directed to Block 3
entrance where a designated staff member will issue a mask and escort them to the birth suite.
Thesewomenmustonlyusetheliftsdesignatedasnonpandemiclifts.
Antenatalwomenareadmittedto Birthsuiteforassessment andtransferred tothe
maternitywardasperusual.
Allwomentobeadvisedthatonlyonesupportpersonistoaccompanythemandtherecanbeno
changeoverofthedesignatedsupportperson.
OndischargeinformationneedstobegivenregardingPandemicHotline,AssessmentCentresites.
Advisewomentostayathomeandavoidhavingpeoplevisitthemintheirhomesasfaras
practicable.
Postnatal women(up to six weekspostpartum) with a baby,who do not havea pandemic
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infection should be managed at home where possible. The admissions of babies with non
influenzalikesymptomstoSCBUaremanagedlocally.
Postnatal women (up to six weeks postpartum with condition related to the birth) who do not
have Pandemic infection and if clinical condition is appropriate and thereis a bedavailablemaybe
admittedtothematernityward.
Infants who have the pandemic infection like symptoms and if clinical condition is
appropriate (and there is a bed available) are to be admitted to the paediatric ward with
preferencetorooms1,10and11whicharenegativepressurerooms
In the event that a woman with a pandemic infection gives birth, the infant will have receive
transplacental antibodies from the mother, the infant should therefore be kept together
and breast feeding should be encouraged in order to promote further antibody transfers. If the
motherdevelops a pandemic infection following birth, consideration should be given tothe risk of
cross infecting the infant and isolating the woman until non infectious. It is safe for the infant to
receiveexpressedbreastmilk
Interhospital transfers of babies with noninfluenzalike symptoms to SCBU are managed locally
asperstandardpractices.
At the time of an outbreak Queensland Health is likely to issue a directive for the
management of maternal influenza cases in relation to the safety of the newborn remaining with
them. Decisions relatedto this issue are not to be takenon a random basis byindividual
unit,insuchcircumstances.
8.3MentalHealthService
The Sunshine Coast Mental Health Service is responsible for providing comprehensive psychological
supportforallvictims,emergencyworkersandrecoveryworkersintheeventofapandemicemergency.
MentalHealthServicesareintegraltoanyappropriateresponsetoamajor disaster and planning must
be directed at emergency and response workers, influenza affected persons and their relatives and
friends.
MentalHealthServices ResponsibilitiesduringPandemicIncident
To coordinate and provide services to ensure access to mental health services to both new and
existingservicerecipients
During a pandemic emergency response, adaptations to the mental health service are aimed at
minimisingexposureofmentalhealthpatientstopatientswithPandemicinfection
Ensurethecontainmentofclientsatresidentialfacilitiesduringthepandemicemergencyin
ordertoprovidethemwithmaximumprotectionfromthevirus.
During a pandemic emergency, community mental health contact with high risk mental health
patients will be more frequent with the objective of addressing mental health
issuesinthehometo avoidunexpectedpresentationsandreducehospitaladmissions.
PatientswhopresenttoDEMwithmentalhealthissuesshouldbedirectedtoanareafreeofpatients
withPandemicinfection forassessment. Ifadmissionis required, the normal
processesapply.
The patient will be referred and discussed with the Psychiatry registrar, and where required will
arrange admission through the Mental Health Patient Flow Coordinator. The patient will then be
transferred directly to the mental health ward via a designated entrance. Thepatientisnotto
goviaDEM.
Review existing services and identify areas for temporary reduction in services to allow for
increasedneedsduringthepandemicemergency.
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Seasonal influenza may cause more severe disease in immunosuppressed individuals,
depending upon the underlying disease or immunosuppressive medication (e.g., corticosteroids,
Providephonecounsellingservicesasrequired.
Provide advice and support services regarding mental health aspects of handling relatives and
friendsofthedeceased.
Provide consultation and assistance to crisis counselling services and support for affectedpersons
where required and appropriate, assist in psychological support of emergency personnel and
affected persons in conjunction with the SCHSD Employee Assistance Services and other
organisations.
Providemental health expertiseatthe Assessmentand Staging Facility sites and the HEOC
toassistinthemanagement ofstaffexposedtofatigue, stress andimpaireddecisionmaking.
Provideadviceandsupportservicesassociatedwithpersonnel,familyandsocialdisruption.
Be aware of individuals affected by the pandemic emergency have particular needs or aremostat
risk, such as children, the elderly, nonEnglish speaking persons and Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islandpersons.
Providetrainingandeducationinthementalhealthaspectsofapandemicemergency
Assistwithreviewinganddebriefingarrangementsinallsectors.
Renal/Oncology/HaematologyServices
Atriskpatientsovertheageof12yearswhodonothavePandemicinfectionandareessential
admissionsaretobecohortedaspercohortplan.
Thesepatientswillinclude:
OncologyRenal
DiabeticsCardiovascularDisease
ImmunosuppressedBronchopulmonaryDiseases
Malignancies
Intheeventthatthereisnotenoughbedcapacity,thosepatientsintheabovecategoriesthatneed
supportivecareonlymaybetransferredtononPandemicStagingfacilities.
PatientAdmissions
If a patientrequiresa blood transfusion or Arediainfusions and it is appropriate for this tobedone
asadayonlypatienttheymaybebookedtohavethisprocedureinanoninfluenza
Cohortarea.
Admit under the most relevant Medical or Surgical Unit on call, depending upon the
predominantsymptomsandsystemsinvolvedandwhetheradmission canbedelayeduntil
deactivationofthepandemicresponse.
Notifyallknownatriskpatientsandaskthemtophonebeforecomingtothehospital.
Developasystemofhomemanagementandsupport,liaisewithCommunityHealth.
DevelopasystemofassessmentandtreatmentattheWardlevel.
Notify patients that only one carer/support person will be allowed into the hospital and that this
personistoremainthesameduringthecourseofadmission.
Meet patients presenting with complications of the disease or its treatment or an
intercurrentproblemwhileundertreatmentatadesignatednonpandemicentrance.
Providethepatientwithamaskandescortalongsaferoutetoward.
SpecialConsiderationsforImmunosuppressedIndividuals.
SC Disaster Management App A Plan
33
chemotherapy,andimmunomodulation)andthedegreeofimmunosuppression(e.g.,asymptomaticHIV
seropositiveversusAIDS).Clinicalpresentationsmaybeatypical(e.g.,reducedfever)andviralshedding
more prolonged. Responses to antiviral medications may be slower and require longer courses of
therapy (raising the possibility of the development of antiviral resistant virus). Complications may be
more common, and convalescence longer. The effects of pandemic influenza infection in
immunosuppressed individuals are currently unknown, and management of such cases may require
specialistassistance.
PaediatricConsiderations
SpecialconsiderationsforpaediatricserviceswillbeaimedatminimisingexposuretoPandemic
Infection,andprotectingthosechildrenwhoaremorevulnerabletoinfection.
Young children usually develop higher temperatures (often over 39.5 degrees Celsius) and may
havefebrileseizures.
Unexplainedfevercanbetheonlymanifestationofthediseaseinneonatesandinfants.
Influenza viruses are an important cause of laryngotracheobronchitis (croup), pneumonia and
pharyngitisbronchitis in young children. Both influenza types, A and B, are significant causes of
lowerrespiratorytractinfections.
Gastrointestinal manifestations, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, are
found in 4050% of patients, with an inverse relation to age (mainly three years or
younger).
Otitismediaandnonpurulentconjunctivitisaremorefrequentinyoungerages.
Avarietyofcentralnervoussystemfindings,includingapnoeaandseizuresmayappearinasmanyas
20% of infants. Children may also present with symptoms suggestive of meningitis orencephalitis,
e.g.,headache,vomiting,irritabilityandphotophobia.
Myositisisacommoncomplicationinyoungchildren,especiallywithinfluenzaB.
In adolescents and children over five years of age, the most frequent symptoms are fever,cough,
non localising throbbing headache, chills, myalgia and sneezing. The temperature range is usually
3840 degrees Celsius and a second peak of fever, without bacterial superinfection, may occur
around the fourth day of illness. Backache, sore throat, conjunctival burning with watery eyes and
epistaxismaybepresent,butgastrointestinalsymptomsareinfrequent.Chestauscultationisusually
normal, but occasionally coarse breath sounds and crackles may be heard. Respiratory illness
caused by influenza is non specific and difficult to distinguish from illness caused by other
respiratory pathogens on the basis of symptoms alone. Many viral infections (e.g.,
respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza viruses, adenovirus and rhinovirus), as well as other
pyrexialdiseases,cancauseillnessesclinicallyindistinguishablefrominfluenza.
PaediatricOncologyPatients
All routine admissions for chemotherapy to be contacted and advised to phone prior to
presentationatthehospital.
Developsystemtomanagepatientsathomewherepossible
Contact Royal Childrens Hospital to determine if all Oncology care can be undertaken at the RCH
during the pandemic as these children need the isolation rooms which would also be needed for
pandemic patients and it would reduce their exposure to the virus to be caredforinacompletely
nonpandemicenvironment.
PaediatricAdmissions
The age limit for admission to the Paediatric ward may need to be reduced depending on
capacity.
Arestrictionwillbeplacedonvisitorstoallowparents/legalguardiansonly.
Referto2FWPandemicInfluenzaCohortareasandsitemapforwardplacement.
ManagementofChildrenunattendedduetoPandemicInfluenza
ChildrenpresentatthehospitalwhoareleftwithoutthecareofaresponsibleAdult(duetothe
Adultsillhealthordeath)shallbemanagedinthefollowingmanner:
StaffwhobecomeawareofachildwhofitstheabovecriterionshallliaisewiththerelevantHospital
Social Worker for assistance in contacting the agencies listed below. If a Social Worker is not
available, then the following steps shall be instigated by either a Medical OfficerorRegistered
Nurse.
DuringofficehoursTheChildSafetyProtectionOfficer shouldbecontacted.
AfterhoursCrisisCareshouldbecontacted.
In the event that the patient nominates a person to care for the Child this should be
documented in the Patients medical record. Crisis Care should also be contacted for
confirmationofsuitabilityandtheoutcomedocumented.
ChestPainAndCardiacCarePatients
Admission and management of chest pain patients will remain the same during a Pandemic
Emergency.
Cardiac patients with Pandemic infection symptomswill needto bemanagedin the infectiouscohort
areasandappropriatelytrainedstaffdeployedtothesewardstomangetheircare.
In the event of a Phase 6 widespread influenza pandemic and where no beds are available in the
infectiouscohortwardsthesingleroomsintheCardiacCareUnitwillbesetuptoisolatethesepatients.
Section9 SupportServices
HealthInformationManagementServices(HIMS)
The HIMS will play a key role in supporting the additional administrative workload created by the
pandemic. The overall strategy will be to reduce routine work as much as possible to deployment of
stafftohighimpactareas.Medicalrecordworkloadsassociatedwithsupporting
elective patient care (eg. SOPD appointments, elective surgery) will be significantly reduced if these
services are temporarily suspended. Staff can then be released to support high impactareas:
ProvidearunnerservicebetweentheMRDandDepartmentofEmergencyMedicine
DEM, to support the additional administrative workload, including assisting with gatheringpatient
registrationdetailsandenteringHBCISdataasrequired
Provisionofacourierservicefortransportationofhealthrecordsandotherpatient
information.
Developinga23000700shiftfortheMedicalRecordsDepartmentifrequired
ProvidinglimitedbackuptowardbasedAOpositionsasrequired.
SecurityServices
The service sub plan should be reviewed regularly on an annual basis, and during an alert phase of a
pandemic response,a further reviewand physical assessmentof all facilities identified intheplanswill
be made. In the event of a pandemic response it may become necessary to elicit the services of a
privatesecuritycompanytoassistwiththeincreaseindemand.
ThestrategyforSecurityServiceswillinvolvelargelythe:
Supportofhospitalstafftomaintainthesafetyofpatients/andorvisitors
Securityofhospitalaccess/exitpoints/elevators
Signage
Crowdmanagementifnecessary
LiaisonandcollaborationwithQPS(QueenslandPoliceServices)asnecessary
FoodServices
Considerationswillbe:
ResponsetotheimpactonFoodServicesStandardOperatingProcedures.
Increaseofsuppliestomeetadditionaldemand.
Provisionofmealsforstaffdoingextendeddutyperiods
InformationTechnology(IT)Coordination
ReportingtothelogisticsofficertheITservicewillberesponsiblefor:
FinanceDepartment
The pandemic response will incur many additional costs for human resources, equipment, medicines
etc. The finance department will establish a pandemic cost centre in order to track and document all
additionalcostsassociatedwiththeresponse.
ThemanagementofthisprocessistheresponsibilityoftheDirectorofFinance.
It is essential that close liaison occurs between service lines and the finance department toensure
thatadditionalcostsaredistinguishedfromongoingbudgetexpenditure.
Tothisendthefinancedepartmentwill:
Establishaspecificcostcentreanddevelopdocumentationtotrackandauditadditional
expenditureutilisedforthepandemicresponse.
Instituteasystemforfinancialmanagementatassessmentandstagingfacilities.
Upondeactivationoftheresponse,prepareanexpenditurereporttobesubmittedtothe
DirectorGeneralviatheDCEO.
Section10 WorkforceConsiderations
UndertheleadershipoftheExecutiveDirectorPeople&Culturetheservicewillberesponsiblefor
Accesstostaffinformationtoidentifystaffprofiles
Assistingwithdeploymentofstaff
Assistingwithcontactingstaffmembersasnecessary
Oversightofstaffwelfareandfatigueplans.
Advisingserviceslineregardingstaffabsenceandhumanresourceissues
FacilitatingaccesstoESP
CoordinatingrequestsforEASsupport
LiaisonwithHEOCasrequired
Assistingwiththedisseminationofinformation/updatesforstaff
ProvidingWorkplaceHealthandSafetysupportfortheDistrict
Assistingwith debriefsandensurementalhealthneedsofstaffandvolunteersare
addressed.
10.1Rolesandresponsibilities
Key roles and responsibilities during a pandemic response are identified within the Incident
ManagementTeamdetailsinsection3ofthisdocument.Thereareanumberofotherpersonnel
whowillassumeadditionalrolesandresponsibilitiestoassistwiththeDistrictresponse.
Through the HEOC People and Culture Services will assist with resource demand and will ensure
adequate contact lists are available for specific service areas. The Executive Director People and
Culture Services will liaise with other facilities and Districts to obtain any additional resources as
required.EstablishmentofadedicatedstaffcallinunitshouldbeconsideredbytheHICortheLogistics
Officer who will then advise the Executive Director People and Culture accordingly. Such acentre
shouldhavestronglinkstomedicaladministrationintermsofdoctorscontactdetails.
Staffingrequirements
Areasthatwilllikelyrequireadditionalstaffingare:
DEM(medical,nursingandadminstaff)
InfectionControl(Nursing)
PandemicCohortWard.(Nursing)
Communitybasedservices/Stagingfacilities/AssessmentCentres(internalandexternal)
SC Disaster Management App A Plan
37
StaffReDeployment
In the event of a Pandemic Emergency SOPD will be closed and staff deployed to highimpact
areastoassistwithworkload.
Non essential medical imaging proceduresto be cancelled and staff to be deployed
necessary
Nonessentialsurgerymaybecancelledtoreleasestafftosupporthighimpactareas.
OtherstaffredeploymentsmayneedtotakeplaceasdirectedbytheLogisticsOfficer.
StaffExposuretoPandemicInfection
Shouldnotreturntoworkinnonpandemicinfection areas.
Willbeofferedantiviralprophylaxisorothermedicationwhilstsupplyisavailable.Infection
Controlwillcoordinatethedistributionofantiviralprophylaxis.
Pandemicareastaffshouldnotmixwithstafffromnonpandemicareasduringmealbreaks.
Designatedtearoomsandchangeroomswillbeprovidedforstaffworkingineachoftheseareas.
Should not weartheir uniformto and fromwork. Change rooms will beprovided for staffworking
intheseareas.
Staff SafetyandWelfare
The pandemic response will present a number of staff safety and welfare issues for all clinical and
nonclinical service lines. Advice and support on such matters will be available from the Infection
Control department and People and Culture Services. The HEOC will also provide direction on day to
daymattersthroughouttheresponse.
Considerationswillinclude:
Identifying and maintaining the physical wellbeing of those staff members who may be more
susceptible to the pandemic Infection e.g. those who are immunocompromised, receiving
chemotherapy, or pregnant. Arrangement will need to be made for such members of staff to be
deployedtoanonpandemicaffectedarea.
Early identification and stand down from duty for those staff members who become unwell with
pandemicinfection.
The safety and protection of those staff members who are directly involved with patients with
PandemicinfectionincludingtheprovisionofPPEequipment,clearadviceandongoingsupport.
Segregation of staff members, isolating staff who are working in affected areas. Separate rest
areas,tearooms,changing/lockerrooms,etcwillneedtobeestablished.
The safetyand welfareof staff who volunteerto workadditional hours especially theneedtostand
staff members down for adequate rest periods, the provision of meals, and accommodation if
required.
The need for a process to ensure ongoing service provision to deal with high numbers of staff
sicknessandabsence,especiallytheimpactthiswillhaveonremainingstaffmembers.
The need for staff access to counselling, stress management programmes and the use of
EASifrequired.
10.2RoleofPrivateHospitalsInAPandemicEmergency
In the event of a pandemic emergency it is anticipated that many hospital resources will be
stretched. Private hospitals may therefore be requested to provide temporary use of their facilities in
this emergency state. The private hospitals provide an important means of distributing caseloads,
especiallyminortomoderate,nonlifethreateningconditions.
10.2.1LocalPrivateHospitalAgreements
AgreementwiththeLocalPrivateHospitalprovidersincludes:
OnceassessmentCentreshavebeenestablishedPrivateHospitalswillonlyaccept
admissionsofprivate pandemic patients through the Centre assessment processes andcriteria
set.
NoosaHospitalasaPublicandPrivatehospitalwithaphysicianonstaffwillaccepteitherprivate
orpublicpandemicpatientsviatheassessmentCentres.
Private pandemic patients admitted via the assessment Centres must be authorised fortransfer
throughtheEmergencyDepartmentatNoosaHospitalandtheDirectorofClinicalServices/delegate
at the other Private Hospitals. These transfers will be dependent on the private facilitys capacity
andmedicalcoverage.
CaloundraPrivateHospitaldoesnothaveanICUsowouldonlybeabletotakenoncritical
pandemicpatients.
NambourSelangorandNoosaHospitalhaveanICUandanIntensivistonstaffandwillbeableto
takecriticalpatientsfromtheassessmentCentres.
IntheeventofaPhase6pandemicemergecnyCaloundraPrivatewillbecomeanonpandemic
hospitaltotakealltheprivatenonpandemicillnessessuchaschestpain,fracturesetc.
Privatematernityunitswillcontinuetoacceptexpectantmothersandareableto
accommodatethosewiththepandemicinfection
Paediatricpandemicpatientswillnotbeacceptedatprivatefacilitiesduetolackof
specialisedstaffinthisarea.
TheSCHSDBedManager/OperationsOfficerwillliaisewiththeEmergencyDepartmentatNoosa
HospitalandtheDirectorofClinicalServices/delegateforprivatehospitalsforagreedadmissions.
The Surgical Group Director will liaise with the Director of EmergencyDepartmentor the
DirectorofIntensiveCareUnitwhentransferringcriticalpatientstoprivatehospitals.
10.2.3LocalPrivateHospitals
LocalPrivateHospitalsincludedwithintheaboveagreement:
CaloundraPrivateHospital
SunshineCoastPrivateHospital
NoosaHospital
NambourSelangorPrivateHospital
Section11 ReviewingandDebriefingArrangements
TheDistrictPandemicResponsePlanistobereviewedonanbiannualbasis.Theresponsibilityforthis
lieswiththemembershipoftheEmergency ResponsePreparednessCommittee.(ERPC)
Upondeactivationofthepandemicresponse,therewillbeaneedtoundertakea
comprehensivereviewandanappropriatedebriefonanumberoflevelsandinallservicelines.
Individual service groups will compile a report on the positive and negativeaspects of theresponse to
be submitted to the Emergency Response Preparedness Committee (ERPC), within one month of
deactivationofthePandemicEmergencyResponseprocedures.
SC Disaster Management App A Plan
APPENDIX C - INTERIM RECOVERY ARRANGEMENTS
C.1 ..............................................................................................C-1 Purpose
C.2 ....................................................................C-1 Functional Responsibility
C.3 ......................................................................C-1 Context & Assumptions
C.4 ...............................................................................C-1 Support Agencies
C.4.1 ..................................................................C-1 Support Agencies include:
C.5 .........................................................................................C-2 Introduction
C.6
........................................................................C-2
Establishment of a Recovery Committee and appointment of a Local
Recovery Coordinator
C.7 .......................................................C-3 Development of a Recovery Plan
C.8
......................................................C-5
Issues to be addressed in the restoration of peoples emotional, social,
economic and physical well-being
C.8.1 ..................................................C-5 Provision of Community Information
C.8.2 .................................................................C-5 Personal Support Services
C.8.3 ...........................................................................C-6 Financial Assistance
C.8.4 ............................................C-6 Counselling and Mental Health Services
C.8.5 ...............................................................C-7 Long Term Accommodation
C.8.6 ....................................................C-7 Community Development Services
C.8.7 ..........................................................C-7 Infrastructure Recovery Issues:
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Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Plan 2012 C-1
SC Disaster Management App A Plan
SC Disaster Management App A Plan
C.1 Purpose
The purpose of the recovery process is to support and help affected individuals and communities
following a disaster.
C.2 Functional Responsibility
Council is responsible for assisting with the coordination of the communitys efforts to progress the
recovery following a disaster with the assistance of the Queensland Government functional lead
agencies.
C.3 Context & Assumptions
The primary aim of recovery is to assist the affected community to regain a proper level of
functioning following a disaster, in both the short and long term.
Recovery is the coordinated process of supporting disaster affected communities in:
1. The restoration of individuals and families emotional, social, economic and physical well-being
through the provision of:
a. Personal support
b. Resources
c. Specialist Information
d. Ongoing physical health services
e. Counselling and mental health services
2. Reconstruction of the physical infrastructure;
3. Rebuilding the economy
4. Rehabilitation of the environment
C.4 Support Agencies
C.4.1 Support Agencies include:
Australian Red Cross
Blue Care
Centrelink
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Department of Communities, Child Safety & Disability Services
Department of Community Safety
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
Department of Local Government
Department of Natural Resources and Mines
Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games
Department of Transport & Main Roads
Emergency Management Queensland
Energex
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Insurance Council Australia
Lifeline Sunshine Coast
Local Chamber of Commerce
Local Environmental groups
Meals on Wheels
Media outlets for the provision of advice to the Community
Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Plan 2012 C-1
SC Disaster Management App A Plan
Q Build
Queensland Ambulance Service
Queensland Health Sunshine Coast Health District
Queensland Police Service
St. Vincent de Paul
Sunshine Coast Council
Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd
Sunshine Coast Environmental Council
Telstra / Optus
UnityWater
C.5 Introduction
Our communities have long been involved in prevention, preparedness and response services to
preserve life and property from the effects of disasters. In more recent times it has been
recognised that people and our communities need services to assist them in the recovery process
following the experience of a significant disaster. There are four components to recovery -
community recovery, infrastructure recovery, economic recovery and environmental recovery.
C.6 Establishment of a Recovery Committee and appointment of a Local
Recovery Coordinator (LRC)
If the LDMG determines that an event is of such a scale as to warrant the establishment of a
recovery committee then it will appoint a LRC to chair the recovery committee and coordinate
recovery efforts across the Sunshine Coast.
The LRC will be appointed by the Chair of LDMG. In most instances the LRC will be the Councillor
appointed as the Deputy Chair of the Sunshine Coast LDMG.
The person appointed as the LRC will not be the same person appointed as the Chair of the LDMG
or the LDC.
The LRC, the Chair of the LDMG, the LDC and the LDMG Community Support Officer will liaise
regularly during disaster operations.
The role of a LRC upon appointment is to:
chair the local recovery committee,
liaise with functional lead agency representatives,
establishing and monitoring the key recovery objectives
working with identified agencies and the community to assist the LDMG develop a recovery
plan; and
coordinate the recovery strategy during disaster operations including the appointment of
suitably qualified recovery manager(s) if required.
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C-2 Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Plan 2012
SC Disaster Management App A Plan
C.7 Development of a Recovery Plan
As soon as possible after a disaster has occurred the Sunshine Coast LDMG will develop a
recovery plan for that particular event.
The plan will outline a process for supporting affected communities in the reconstruction of physical
infrastructure, restoring the economy, rehabilitation of the environment, and support for the
emotional social and physical wellbeing of those affected by disaster events.
The recovery plan will detail:
governance arrangements for the establishment of a local recovery committee and sub
committees if required;
recovery objectives and a timetable for action;
appointment of recovery manager(s) ;
a community engagement and communication plan ;
economic recovery action plan;
environmental recovery action plan;
human-social recovery action plan;
infrastructure recovery action plan; and
reporting and evaluation procedures.
The recovery plan will be developed with representatives of essential service and infrastructure
providers and with the assistance from each of the Queensland government functional lead
agencies. These agencies are identified as follows:
Lead Agency Responsibility
Department of Communities, Child Safety and
Disability Services
Human-Social Recovery
Provision of:
Personal support and information
Public safety and education
Temporary accommodation
Immediate financial assistance
Uninsured household loss and damage
Recovery of:
Physical health
Emotional, psychological, spiritual,
cultural and social wellbeing
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Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Plan 2012 C-3
SC Disaster Management App A Plan
Lead Agency Responsibility
Department of State Development, Infrastructure
and Planning
Economic Recovery
Renewal and growth of:
Individuals and households
(employment, income, insurance claims)
Private and government business
enterprises and industry
Assets, production and flow of goods and
services to and from the affected area
Department of Environment and Heritage
Protection
Environmental Recovery
Restoration and regeneration of:
Biodiversity (species and plants) and
ecosystems
Natural resources
Environmental infrastructure
Amenity/aesthetics (e.g. scenic lookouts)
Culturally significant sites
Heritage structures
Management of:
Environmental health
Waste
Contamination and pollution
Hazardous materials
Department of Local Government
Infrastructure Recovery
Repair and construction of:
Residential and public buildings
Commercial, industrial and rural buildings
and structures
Government structures
Utility structures
Systems and services (transport, water,
sewage, energy, communications) and
other essential services
Dam safety
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C-4 Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Plan 2012
SC Disaster Management App A Plan
C.8 Issues to be addressed in the restoration of peoples emotional, social,
economic and physical well-being
C.8.1 Provision of Community Information
1. Services to provide information on:
a. The range of recovery services available.
b. On the psychological effects of disaster or emergency events.
2. Objectives:
a. To promote and hasten community recovery.
b. To decrease anxiety and emotional stress.
c. To engender a sense of control and predictability.
d. To increase the capacity of the community to participate in its own capacity.
3. Delivery:
a. Leaflets.
b. Through the electronic and print media, refer to Local Plan Appendix A.10 Public
Information and Warnings Operational Plan
c. At Community Recovery Centres / Public meetings.
d. Activation of a help line.
C.8.2 Personal Support Services
1. Services:
a. Outreach counselling through Recovery Coordination Centre operations.
b. Reception at evacuation centres.
c. Comfort and reassurance provided by disaster recovery agencies e.g. Lifeline / Red
Cross.
d. Tracing services.
e. Personal services such as child care, advocacy, interpreters and practical advice
2. Objectives:
a. To meet the personal needs of disaster affected persons and to reduce anxiety and
accompanying debilitating effects.
3. Delivery:
a. Usually provided on a one-to-one basis by workers or volunteers with personal support
and listening skills.
b. Refer to Local Plan Appendix A.4 Community Support Operational Plan
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Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Plan 2012 C-5
SC Disaster Management App A Plan
C.8.3 Financial Assistance
1. Services:
a. Natural Disaster Relief & Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) funding scheme.
b. Other associations Natural Disaster Relief Schemes.
c. State Disaster Relief Assistance (SDRA)
d. Special benefit.
2. Objectives:
a. NDRRA to provide emergency assistance to disaster affected persons in emergent
circumstances in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, and to assist with the
restoration of public assets.
b. Associations Natural Disaster Relief Scheme to provide concessional rate loans and
grants to non-profit organisations to repair or replace facilities damaged or lost as the
result of disaster events.
c. SDRA addresses personal hardship; and community response needs where the
NDRRA activation threshold is not met.
d. Special Benefit to assist people who have experienced a significant disruption to their
normal source of income as the result of disaster. The benefit is administered by
Centrelink.
3. Delivery:
a. Centrelink.
b. Applicants residences.
c. Department of Communities Recovery Centres.
d. Department of Communities Offices.
e. Department of Communities outreach teams
C.8.4 Counselling and Mental Health Services
1. Services:
a. Defusing
b. Psychological First Aid
c. Psychological support and debriefing
d. Crisis and long term counselling
2. Objectives:
a. To avoid or alleviate the emotional or psychological effects of disaster experiences
3. Delivery:
a. Through the Department of Communities as per the State Community Recovery Plan
Queensland and the local Sunshine Coast District Community Recovery Plan.
b. Services may be delivered in a number of locations (community recovery centres,
private residences, drop-in centres, professional offices and clinical settings).
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C-6 Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Plan 2012
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C.8.5 Long Term Accommodation
1. Services:
a. Accommodation (medium to long term)
2. Objectives:
a. To address the medium to longer term accommodation needs of disaster affected
persons.
3. Delivery:
a. Through community recovery centres, community recovery hotline, Department of
Communities (Housing) facilities or applicants residences
b. The Local Group in its Local Plan addresses the urgent/short term needs in the
following Operational Plans Appendices Local Plan Appendix A.4 Community Support,
A.5 Evacuation and A.6 Evacuation Centre Management Operational Plans
C.8.6 Community Development Services
1. Services:
a. Community network re-activation
b. Community Information
c. Public forums
2. Objectives:
a. To provide community information to enhance recovery.
b. To reactivate and facilitate recovery of community networks and facilities.
c. To facilitate community understanding and participation in preparedness, prevention,
response and recovery.
3. Delivery:
a. Through the Community Development Officers attached to local or state agencies that
offer community development activities
C.8.7 Infrastructure Recovery Issues:
1. Restoration of essential services.
a. Provide community access to services.
b. Facilitation of restoration of living conditions and security.
c. Prioritising the rebuilding of community critical infrastructure.
2. Economic Recovery Issues:
a. Business continuity.
b. Industry restoration.
i. Manufacturing.
ii. Service.
iii. Building.
iv. Tourist.
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v. Commercial.
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C-8 Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Plan 2012
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3. Environmental Recovery Issues:
a. Natural bushland.
b. Environmental Parks.
c. Beach restoration and erosion protection.
d. Waterways and canals clean up.
e. Replanting as required.
f. Consideration of animal habitats.
SC Disaster Management App A Plan
Recovery Interim Arrangements Plan
OPERATIONAL CHECKLIST
(RESTRICTED DOCUMENT: FOR USE BY LDCC DURING ACTIVATION OF PLAN)
Page 1
Community Recovery Public
Information refer also to A.10 Public
Information and Warnings Operational
Plan
Commenced Responsible Organisation:
Local Group
Responsible Officer
Media Liaison Officer
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Community Recovery - personal
support services refer also to Local
Plan Appendix A.4 Community
Support Operational Plan
Commenced Responsible Organisation:
Local Group & Dept
Communities
Responsible Officer
Liaison Officer
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Community Recovery provision of
financial assistance
Commenced Responsible Organisation
Dept Communities
Responsible Officer
Liaison Officer
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Community Recovery provision of
counselling and mental health
services
Commenced Responsible Organisation
Dept Communities
Responsible Officer
Liaison Officer
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
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Recovery Interim Arrangements Plan
OPERATIONAL CHECKLIST
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Community Recovery - longer term
accommodation
Commenced Responsible Organisation
Dept Communities
Responsible Officer
Liaison Officer
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Community Recovery - community
development services
Commenced Responsible Organisation
Local Group & Dept
Communities
Responsible Officer
Liaison Officer
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Infrastructure Recovery Water
Supply
Commenced Responsible Organisation
Unitywater
Responsible Officer
Liaison Officer
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Infrastructure Recovery Sewerage
Treatment and Disposal
Commenced Responsible Organisation
Unitywater
Responsible Officer
Liaison Officer
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
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Infrastructure Recovery Roads,
Bridges and Drains
Commenced Responsible Organisation
Council & DTMR
Responsible Officer
Liaison Officer
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
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Recovery Interim Arrangements Operational Plan
OPERATIONAL CHECKLIST
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Infrastructure Recovery Rail Responsible Organisation
Queensland Rail
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Infrastructure Recovery Marine
Fixtures
Responsible Organisation
Council / Marine Safety Qld
Responsible Officer
Liaison Officer
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Infrastructure Recovery Buildings Responsible Organisation
Council / QBSA / Q Build
Responsible Officer
Liaison Officer
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Infrastructure Recovery Debris
Clearance
Responsible Organisation
Council
Responsible Officer
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
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Economic Recovery Commenced Responsible Organisation
Council and Department of
State Development
Infrastructure and Planning
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Environmental Recovery Commenced Responsible Organisation
Council & Department of
Environment and Heritage
Protection
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Infrastructure Recovery Rail Commenced Responsible Organisation
Queensland Rail
Responsible Officer
Mayne Coordinator
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Infrastructure Recovery Marine
Fixtures
Commenced Responsible Organisation
Council / Marine Safety Qld
Responsible Officer
Liaison Officer
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
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Recovery Interim Arrangements Operational Plan
OPERATIONAL CHECKLIST
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Infrastructure Recovery Buildings Commenced Responsible Organisation
Council / QBSA / Q Build
Responsible Officer
Liaison Officer
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Infrastructure Recovery Debris
Clearance
Commenced Responsible Organisation
Council
Responsible Officer
Executive Director
Infrastructure Services
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Economic Recovery Commenced Responsible Organisation
Council & Department of
State Development,
Infrastructure and PlanningI
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
Environmental Recovery Commenced Responsible Organisation
Council & Department of
Environment and Hereitage
Protection
Contact Numbers
Ph
Mob
Fax
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APPENDIX D - LOCAL PLAN CONTACTS LISTING
Not for public distribution
Some information in this Appendix is confidential and accordingly it will not be publicly released.
This appendix contains the following listings:
D.1 Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group - Member and Contact Listing
D.2 Sunshine Coast District Disaster Management Group - Member and Contact Listing
D.3 Sunshine Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Agencies - Listing of Websites
D.4 Listing & Register for Local Group members of Evacuation Centres.
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D.1 Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group - Member and
Contact Listing
The Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group - Member and Contact Listing will be
updated following each meeting of the Local Group.
The revised copy of the Listing will be forwarded with each copy of the minutes and the most
recent copy of the listing should be inserted here.
Members are requested to advise the Secretariat if there are any changes to contact details.
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D.2 Sunshine Coast District Disaster Management Group - Member and
Contact Listing Insert Here
Hard copy is held with the Secretariat.
The Sunshine Coast District Disaster Management Group - Member and Contact Listing will be
updated following each meeting of the District Group.
The revised copy of the listing will be forwarded with each copy of the minutes and the most recent
copy of the listing should be inserted here.
District Group members are requested to advise the XO to the DDC if there are any changes to
contact details.
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D.3 Listing of Key Sunshine Coast Agency Web Pages
Last Updated 6 August 2012
MEMBER DETAILS WEB PAGE DETAILS
ABC Local Radio Sunshine
Coast
www.abc.net.au/sunshine
Australian Red Cross
Queensland
www.redcross.org.au/default.asp
Coast Guard on Sunshine Coast www.coastguard.com.au
Department of Communities,
Child Safety & Disability
Services
www.communityservices.qld.gov.au
Department of Environment &
Heritage Protection
http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au
Department of Transport & Main
Roads
www.mainroads.qld.gov.au
Emergency Management
Queensland
www.emergency.qld.gov.au
Energex www.energex.com.au
Forestry Plantations
Queensland
www.fpq.net.au
Queensland Ambulance Service www.ambulance.qld.gov.au
Queensland Fire & Rescue
Service
www.fire.qld.gov.au
Queensland Fire & Rescue
Service Rural Operations
www.fire.qld.gov.au/about/rfs.asp
Queensland Health www.health.qld.gov.au
Queensland Police Service www.police.qld.gov.au
State Emergency Service www.emergency.qld.gov.au/ses
Sunshine Coast Helicopter
Rescue Service (Action
Rescue)
www.actionrescue.com.au
Sunshine Coast Council www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
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D.4 Evacuation Centre Management - Listing and Identification of Centres
Not For Public Distribution Insert Here
A complete list of evacuation centres is held with the Secretariat.
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APPENDIX E - TROPICAL CYCLONE STORM TIDE WARNING
RESPONSE SYSTEM
E.1 (Tropical Cyclone Storm Tide Warning Response System Handbook
Ninth Edition - 2011)
Issued by the State Disaster Management Group and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and
available at:-
http://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/Disaster%20Resources/Documents/TC_Storm_Tide_Warning_book
.pdf
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APPENDIX F - DIRECTORY OF MAPS
Listing of Available Maps:
F.1 Sunshine Coast Overview Map ............Error! Bookmark not defined.
F.2 Sunshine Coast Orthophotos...............Error! Bookmark not defined.
F.3 Sunshine Coast Flood Mapping ...........Error! Bookmark not defined.
F.4 Sunshine Coast Storm Tide Mapping ..Error! Bookmark not defined.
F.5 Sunshine Coast Wildfire Hazard mappingError! Bookmark not defined.
F.6 Sunshine Coast Landslide Hazard mappingError! Bookmark not defined.
F.7 Community Disaster Management Sub Group PlansError! Bookmark not define
Due to the size and complexity of these charts they are stored separately in electronic and
hardcopy form in the Directory of Charts and Maps maintained by Councils Spatial Information
Management Team
Maps are also held by the Local Group Secretariat.
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APPENDIX G - Community Resilience Strategy
G.1 Context .............................................................................................. G-1
G.2 Definition of Community Resilience................................................... G-2
G.3 Dependencies ................................................................................... G-2
G.4 Objectives and Desired Outcomes.................................................... G-3
G.5 Guiding Principles ............................................................................. G-4
G.6 Framework ........................................................................................ G-5
G.6.1 Legislation and Policy........................................................................ G-5
G.7 Our Approach.................................................................................... G-6
G.8 Developing an Action Plan ................................................................ G-7
G.9 Measures of Effectiveness ................................................................ G-7
G.1 Context
Australia has recently experienced a number of large scale and devastating natural disasters,
including catastrophic bushfires, far reaching floods, cyclones and damaging storms. Natural
disasters are a feature of the Australian climate and landscape and this threat will continue, with
weather patterns likely to be less predictable and more extreme over coming years.
The community is exposed to a range of other potential disasters, including urban and industrial
fires, pandemics, aircraft crashes, major road accidents, marine oil spills, security incidents, and
exotic animal and plant diseases. Such events may have personal, social, economic and
environmental impacts that take many years to dissipate.
Our unique climate, environment and demography means that we need to shape our resilience
activities to suit our circumstances but within the context of being a part of the South East
Queensland setting.
Australians are renowned for their resilience to hardship. Complementing our ability to innovate
and adapt, are a strong community spirit that supports those in need, and a general self-reliance to
withstand and recover from disasters.
In Queensland, we have well established and cooperative emergency and disaster management
arrangements at the state, district and local levels delivering a coordinated approach and effective
capabilities.
Building community resilience requires effective community education and community participation.
The fundamental building blocks of resilience for the Sunshine Coast are individuals and
households. If at this level, people are aware of the risks and are prepared to respond and are
connected to support networks, there is far greater resilience at the neighbourhood, community
and regional levels. This results in a reduced reliance on emergency services and external
resources in a disaster which in turn generates flexibility in formal response and recovery activities.
In building community resilience on the Sunshine Coast, we are aiming to improve the safety of our
communities day to day, as well as enhancing their preparedness for the most likely and frequent
disaster scenarios and our capacity to deal with more extreme and unpredictable events.
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This strategy does not aim to replace initiatives being implemented by government departments,
emergency service organisations, and other agencies; rather it aims to leverage the resources
provided through them and complement the overall strategies with activities at the local and
regional level.
G.2 Definition of Community Resilience
Community resilience is a communitys capacity to change, grow and flourish whatever
circumstances it finds itself in. A disaster resilient community not only knows the risks and hazards
they face but also has the ability to recover from the aftermath of such events and the impacts on
their lives. Disaster resilient communities are also aware that it may take considerable time before
life returns to any degree of normality should an event impact their area. Resilience is not simply
about a community going back to what it was like before but rather learning from the event and
adjusting to be better prepared should a similar event occur again.
G.3 Dependencies
A resilient Sunshine Coast depends upon:
Individual and collective experience and responsibility:
The ability of people and groups to live through and recover from disasters, identify strengths
and weaknesses in how they responded and apply their experiences, observations and
learnings to future events.
Personal health and wellbeing:
A community that has a high level of overall fitness and mental wellbeing and a low
dependency on healthcare services is better able to manage the physical and emotional
demands of a disaster event.
Awareness of risks:
The community has access to current, relevant and localised information on what the risks are
in their area. A well informed community is a risk aware community.
Access to social networks:
A high degree of accessibility to and membership of informal and formal local and social
networks allows for greater mutual support and assistance being provided at the lowest level.
Networks may include family, friends and social networks, school or church based groups,
local formal clubs (such as RSL, Lions and Apex) or sporting clubs.
Access to infrastructure:
A high degree of surety in supply of essential services through maintaining robust
infrastructure is a measure of a communitys resilience. Access to clean drinking water, health
services, power, food and security are important considerations in disaster management
planning and response.
Access to communication networks:
Community members have access to reliable means of communication. This allows for the
effective passage of information to community members (such as alerts, warnings and advice
from authorities) and information from community members (such as requests for assistance
or advising status to family and friends). Communication networks may include face to face
contact, telephone services (voice and text), email, social network sites and radio and
television networks.
Good Governance:
Community members have confidence in the leadership, authority, structures and capabilities
that contribute to minimising the impact on the community during all phases of a disaster. This
includes federal, state and local government agencies, emergency services and local leaders
(including school and church group leaders).
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G.4 Objectives and Desired Outcomes
Our objectives in developing this strategy are to:
Improve Awareness
Desired Outcomes
Residents and visitors:
1. are aware of the natural and human-made hazards and associated risks and how they may
impact on them and others in the community.
2. have access to comprehensive information about the risks at the local level, can identify the
indicators of a disaster event and know how to get official warnings and alerts.
3. know their own and their neighbours strengths and weaknesses in relation to preparing for and
responding to a disaster event.
4. feel empowered to make decisions and take actions to protect themselves, their families and
those around them.
Enhance Preparedness
Desired Outcomes
Individuals, families and local businesses:
5. anticipate disasters and act to protect themselves, their assets and their livelihoods, minimising
physical, economic and social losses.
6. have the plans and resources in place to be self-sufficient for a minimum of three days.
7. are adaptive and flexible in responding to emergencies.
8. are willing to assist those less prepared or more vulnerable than themselves, including the
young, elderly, people with disabilities, tourists, visitors, non-English speakers and recently
arrived residents.
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Build community networks
Desired Outcomes
1. Individuals have the means of communicating their situation and requesting or offering
assistance to family, neighbours or volunteer organisations.
2. Community assets, leadership, networks and resources are leveraged to achieve a collective
preparedness and response to a disaster.
3. Local people are capable of organising themselves before, during and after disasters in order
to restore social, institutional and economic activity.
4. Formal and informal support networks are available to individuals, families and businesses in a
time of crisis.
5. The community works in partnership with emergency services, local authorities and relevant
organisations, ensuring safe and complementary efforts.
G.5 Guiding Principles
The guiding principles are:
An engaged community where individuals, small groups and authorities work towards common
goals
Accessibility of information and resources
Mutual support
The protection of critical infrastructure
The preservation of the environment
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G.6 Framework
This strategy sits within the National Strategy for Disaster Resilience, the Building a More Resilient
Queensland concept and the draft proposed framework Fostering Community Resilience using
the Principles and Processes of Community Engagement document being prepared by the
Queensland Department of Community Safety through Emergency Management Queensland
(EMQ). It is also consistent with Councils own community engagement framework.
Figure G-1 Community Resilience Strategy Framework
G.6.1 Legislation and Policy
The Disaster Management Act 2003 (The Act), amended on 1 November 2010, forms the
legislative basis for disaster management activities within all levels of Government in Queensland.
The Act allows for formal declaration of a disaster and activation of response mechanisms by
Government at the state, district and local levels.
The Public Safety Preservation Act (1986), amended on 1 November 2010, provides for the
protection of members of the public in terrorist, chemical, biological, radiological or other
emergencies that create or may create danger of death, injury or distress to any person, loss of or
damage to any property or pollution of the environment. This Act allows for declaration of an
emergency situation and use of special powers by authorities when an emergency situation is
declared.
State Planning Policy 1/03 sets out the States interest in ensuring that the natural hazards of flood,
bushfire, and landslide are adequately considered when making decisions about development.
The policy provides for enhanced resilience through requiring the identification of natural hazard
management areas and the implementation of appropriate controls through planning schemes.
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G.7 Our Approach
The Sunshine Coast approach to resilience is based on the four core pillars of community,
infrastructure, environment and governance. Each pillar encapsulates a range of systems,
processes and resources that may contribute to resilience to any given scenario or event. Where
the four pillars integrate effectively, resilience is at its strongest.
The approach also recognises the differences in characteristics and risk exposures between the
coastal, urban, rural, remote environments.
Figure G-2 Sunshine Coast Approach to Resilience
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G.8 Developing an Action Plan
In order to achieve the objectives and desired outcomes, council will develop an action plan to be
delivered over a period of years which seeks to ultimately
Enhance Knowledge and Empower Local communities:
Residents and visitors to the Sunshine Coast will develop the knowledge to make informed
decisions and are empowered to act for the immediate safety of themselves, those around
them and the vulnerable segments of the population.
Change Attitudes:
The population accepts that greater preparation, self-sufficiency and interdependence at the
individual, family, street and neighbourhood level increases the ability of authorities to
effectively direct scarce emergency resources.
Modify Behaviour:
Proactive planning, sound preparation and contributing to a coordinated response to disaster
events become normal activities within the community.
Improve Skills:
Community members and organisations develop the appropriate skills to provide an effective
response to and recovery from disaster events that may affect their environs.
Specific actions for each of the objectives will be outlined in a Community Resilience Action Plan to
be developed by the Community Resilience Officer and Community Education Officer (Disaster
Management).
The Action Plan will be marketed through a community education campaign which asks individuals
to be aware, prepare and connect (Refer Attachment G.1)
Key to the successful delivery of these programs will be the coordinated involvement of key
representatives of emergency services agencies on the Sunshine Coast through the Local Disaster
Management Groups Community Awareness and Preparedness Sub Group.
In addition, wherever possible the community will be invited to contribute by providing relevant and
practical ideas, observations and requests that will contribute to the regional ability to adapt and
respond to future disasters.
G.9 Measures of Effectiveness
The Sunshine Coast will broadly adopt the Community Readiness Model outlined in the State
Governments draft proposed framework Fostering Community Resilience using the Principles and
Processes of Community Engagement. This will provide an indication of maturity and capacity at
the locality level.
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Community Resilience References
Bureau of Meteorology Website Sunshine Coast Weather Data
Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Strategy for Disaster Resilience -
Building our nations resilience to disasters (2011)
Draft proposed framework Fostering Community Resilience using the Principles and
Processes of Community Engagement document being prepared by the Department of
Community Safety through EMQ.
Emergency Volunteering Step Up program for Small Business Resilience and Continuity
Emergency Volunteering Disaster Readiness Index
EMQ Guidance on Business Continuity Planning
Household Emergency Kit List (EMQ Website)
Household Emergency Plan Template (EMQ Website)
Noosa Climate Action Plan
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) Bushfire Fire Readiness Campaign (Prepare
Act Survive)
Queensland Reconstruction Authority Rebuilding a stronger, more resilient Queensland
(September 2011)
Sunshine Coast Community Information Services (CIS)
Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Plan
Sunshine Coast Region 44 Localities Map
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Attachment G-3
Sunshine Coast Community Resilience Action Plan Education Campaign
The purpose of this campaign is to build awareness, preparedness and connectivity amongst the people of the Sunshine Coast to enhance
community resilience. It asks individuals to be:
Acknowledgement: This Community Resilience Strategy was prepared by GHD Pty Ltd working with the SCLDMG and funded with the assistance of a Natural Disaster
Resilience Program Grant
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Sunshine Coast Regional Council 2012.
www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
[email protected]
T 07 5475 7272 F 07 5475 7277
Locked Bag 72 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Qld 4560
Acknowledgements
Council wishes to thank all contributors and stakeholders involved in the development of this document.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this document is based on available information at the time of writing. All figures and diagrams
are indicative only and should be referred to as such. While the Sunshine Coast Regional Council has exercised
reasonable care in preparing this document it does not warrant or represent that it is accurate or complete. Council or its
officers accept no responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting in reliance upon
any material contained in this document.
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