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Hospital engineers’ key role in disaster mitigation

Hiroshi Yasuhara and Hidenao Atarashi, discuss their experience following 2011’s Great East Japan Earthquake, the key learnings, and how these have informed actions to further improve their hospitals’ preparedness for future natural disasters

Tokyo Teishin Hospital director, Hiroshi Yasuhara, and lecturer in the Department of Healthcare Information Management at the University of Tokyo Hospital, Hidenao Atarashi, discuss they and their colleagues’ experience following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, and some of the measures taken in the aftermath to ensure continuity of care. They also describe some of the key learnings, and how these have informed actions to further improve their hospitals’ resilience and preparedness for future natural disasters.

Natural disasters, including the coronavirus pandemic, have a massive influence on the healthcare services. Japan experienced a massive earthquake in 2011. More recently, in 2019, Typhoon Hagibis triggered floods and caused damage to many healthcare facilities. The last earthquake caused direct injury to patients and healthcare workers. In addition, it had various other influences besides the direct impact

One of the most serious collaterals is a blackout, because modern medical activities are supported by a number of electrical devices. Therefore, once there is a blackout, almost all sophisticated medical equipment cannot be used. Even if a machine is equipped with a battery, it does not last for a long time. 

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Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

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