Abstracts » Health care industry

Hurricane Andrew; South Florida hospitals shared resources and energy to cope with the storm's devastation

Article Abstract:

Hospitals played a large role in crisis management in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. Because of a lack of planning for Dade County shelters, hospitals became shelters after the storm. Nursing homes also lacked planning and were inadequately prepared for patients who required dialysis or other services. State and federal agencies, however, responded promptly and flexibly to the crisis. Several lessons learned by Dade County hospitals because of the hurricane are presented, such as the need for a 72-hour emergency plan and a two-week follow-up plan.

Safety and security measures, Hurricanes, Hurricane Andrew, 1992

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Culture shock: are U.S. hospitals ready?

Article Abstract:

Hospitals must face a myriad of challenges as they employ personnel from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. In 1991, only 8% of practicing physicians and 14.2% of nurses came from minority backgrounds, compared to 22% of the population. Hospitals blame the problem on a lack of money for financial aid for minority students. However, as the percentage of women and minorities in the workplace increases, hospitals will have to join with community schools to ensure that future employees are adequately trained and educated for careers in hospitals.

Cover Story

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