University of Missouri Health Care Activates Plans for Blizzard Conditions

February 1st, 2011

Contact: Mary Jenkins
Public Relations Manager
jenkinsmg@missouri.edu
(573) 882-7299

COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Health Care officials have activated a number of plans to prepare for blizzard conditions this week, including ordering extra food and medical supplies, establishing a labor pool and setting up a transportation center for staff.

“At this time, we’re staffed in all inpatient units of University Hospital, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the Missouri Psychiatric Center and the Missouri Orthopaedic Institute,” said Jim Ross, chief executive officer of University of Missouri Health Care.

“We have a very dedicated team of employees, many of whom are staying overnight in our hospitals and area hotels to ensure they will be here to care for our patients during the next few days,” he said.

Around noon Tuesday, the emergency center at University Hospital reported lower-than-usual volumes of patients. However, of the patients seen in the E.R. Tuesday morning, about one-third, or eight patients, had suffered injuries due to falls.

University Hospital, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the Missouri Orthopaedic Institute and the Missouri Psychiatric Center will be open 24/7 as usual.

University Physicians outpatient clinics and Ellis Fischel outpatient clinics will be closed today and Wednesday, Feb. 2.