How a Big City Hospital Keeps Going In Bad Weather

Media Resources

Jill Chadwick

News Director

Office: (913) 588-5013

Cell: (913) 223-3974

Email

jchadwick@kumc.edu

               No matter what the weather, The University of Kansas Hospital must stay open to care for its approximately 600 inpatients. If needed, hospital staff will arrange for transportation by dispatching 4-wheel drive vehicles to bring key personnel to serve those patients. Plus, cots, linens and toiletries are available for staff who will stay the night at the hospital.
               The hospital will also remain in service as the area's only nationally verified Level I Trauma Center with its heated landing pads on top of the hospital. The hospital’s emergency department will be open for treating injuries such as falls in the slippery conditions and patients from motor vehicle accidents. Patients who have weekend appointments in BMT or radiology are advised to call ahead before coming to the appointment.

            In the video, Chris Ruder, vice president of patient care services at The University of Kansas Hospital, talks about the hospital’s extensive weather plan, which begins days ahead of expected bad weather.  The video also shows cots, linens being set out for those who will need to stay. Also shown is one of the two heated helipads on the roof of the hospital, and TV friendly video of the trauma bay in action plus video inside the emergency department.