Asheville Battles Water Crisis: Patient Transfers Underway at Local Hospitals

Asheville Faces Water Crisis: Patients Being Transferred for Care

In Asheville, North Carolina, the recent storm named Helene has left the city grappling with a serious water crisis, leading to some significant adjustments at local health care facilities. In an effort to continue providing _effective medical care_ amidst challenges, Mission Health has announced that patients from several facilities will be moved to other locations.

What’s Happening?

Katie Czerwinski, a spokesperson for Mission Health, shared that all 12 patients at the St. Joseph’s campus, which includes the Asheville Specialty Hospital, are in the process of being relocated. “We want to make sure that we have the resources available to address the urgent medical needs of our community,” she explained, highlighting the importance of consolidating resources at Mission Hospital.

Moving Patients for Better Care

The decision to move patients wasn’t made lightly. According to Nancy Lindell, the Division Director of Public and Media Relations for Mission Health, the main obstacle at the moment is simply the lack of water. “While we have contingency plans in place to ensure water and electricity at our hospitals, the _supply of municipal water_ remains our biggest concern,” she said.

To accommodate this, they have begun transferring some low-acuity patients who are stable from multiple facilities—including Mission Hospital and CarePartners Inpatient Rehabilitation—to facilities that are less affected by the aftermath of the storm. “We’re grateful for our partnership with the North Carolina state patient coordination team, which includes leaders from all major facilities across the state,” Lindell added. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that patients are moved safely and efficiently.

Supporting Staff During the Transition

While the focus remains on patient care, the hospital is also taking steps to support its employees. “For those whose roles are impacted by these patient moves, we’ve established a temporary redeployment office to ensure our staff can continue contributing to patient care,” Czerwinski remarked. This effort shows the dedication of Mission Health not just to its patients, but also to its employees during these tough times.

Can Emergency Care Continue?

Even amidst these challenging conditions, emergency services at Mission remain operational. Lindell assured the public that the hospital is equipped to handle emergency cases, stating, “We still have the staff and resources to treat anyone in need of emergency care.” She emphasized that __the urgent need is for the city water to be restored__, which is essential for all facets of hospital operation.

Collaboration and Community Spirit

During these trying moments, the spirit of community and collaboration really shines through. The efforts to transfer patients and share resources have involved over 50 physicians and nursing leaders working together, ensuring that care remains effective and dedicated to what’s best for the patients and their families.

As Asheville continues to navigate through this water crisis, residents and health care providers alike are working to keep spirits high and focus on recovery. It’s a stark reminder of how communities come together in times of difficulty, showcasing resilience and support.

Looking Ahead

The team at Mission Health is continually evaluating the situation to adapt and respond to the needs of the community. They are committed to meeting both the patients’ needs and ensuring that healthcare personnel have the capacity to perform their roles effectively. The restoration of __municipal water__ is a priority, and everyone remains hopeful for a swift resolution to this pressing issue.

As the situation evolves, residents of Asheville are encouraged to stay informed and support one another. Together, the community is strong, and with continued effort, they will overcome this challenge.