MD Anderson, named the #1 best hospital for cancer-care in the US by U.S. News & World Report, managed to continue care for their patients during the flooding.
Lessons learned
Previous experience with flooded buildings and research facilities taught the staff lessons in maintaining care throughout the duration of the flooding. Floodgates protected the buildings, though the main road leading to the entrance was covered in four feet of water.
Patient care
All 528 patients in the hospital and their families remained safe and were able to continue care. A thousand staff members, including nurses, lab techs, pharmacy techs, food services, and security remained at the hospital as a ‘ride out’ team.
Though the hospital remained safe and dry, 30 to 60 per cent of employees had flooded homes or were evacuated. Even with these personal difficulties, outside teams reviewed files for those who needed urgent care. Their ability to continue care through these circumstances is remarkable.
Although outpatient services and surgeries were canceled initially, they were reinstated as soon as the teams were certain that care could be safely provided.
Services for lung cancer and mesothelioma
Many people, including some of our clients, who are affected by asbestos-related lung cancer or malignant mesothelioma utilize the outstanding services of MD Anderson. The actions of administrators and caregivers at MD Anderson affirm the confidence placed in this institution. Thanks for all those who selflessly persevered by putting patients first – in spite of personal hardships.
