Recent media coverage of adverse weather includes references to an FDA communication from earlier this Spring advising hospitals to anticipate what is forecast to be one of, if not the worst, hurricane season on record. The FDA has also shared some emergency preparedness recommendations and best practices which are linked below. For hospitals,
- The 2024 hurricane season runs June – November and could disrupt the hospital supply chain.
- Hospitals, and their suppliers – are at risk of being impacted and critical shipments delayed
- Any issues could be compounded by suppliers and distributors being closed for the upcoming Independence Day holiday
Recent weather events across the US including in Houston, Florida and other communities highlight how severe weather can impair critical infrastructure and delay shipments of crucial hospital equipment, supplies and more. Hospitals are encouraged to monitor weather conditions, and revisit contingency plans already in place for dealing with disruptions including:
- Ensure contingencies for employees who may not be able to travel safely to and from their home
- Confirm the status of critical orders with suppliers including for clinical supplies and equipment
- Accelerate pending orders for critical supplies
- Verify in-stock positions, accelerate orders to build inventory of the most vital resources
There are many other considerations beyond supply chain that could impact hospitals, particular those in coastal areas that may be more exposed to hurricanes. Hospitals have done lots of work building resiliency into key activities including supply chain. Continue to apply the lessons learned and best practices to minimize impact if and when disruption occurs.