News

Lynn Peterson
Manager, Media-Public Relations
Office: (678) 843-5849
Pager: (404) 722-4355
lpeterson@sjha.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saint Joseph's East Georgia Schedules Evacuation Drill

Greensboro, Ga. - (October 20, 2008) -- Could it happen here? The answer is a resounding 'yes'. Between fire, severe weather (tornadoes), proximity of chemicals from plants in the area and the large number of trucks carrying chemicals on I-20, there is the possibility for an emergency that could necessitate the evacuation of the hospital.

In preparation for such an occurrence, Saint Joseph's East Georgia is conducting an emergency preparedness drill on Thursday, October 30, from 8:30am to 10:00am. During the drill, the hospital staff will implement the evacuation plan and practice moving patients out of the hospital as well as performing tasks and procedures that will reduce the risk of fire or explosion.

"We need to be prepared in the event of a real emergency," says Mike Huff, president of Saint Joseph's East Georgia. "We know that practicing the real circumstances reinforces that knowledge and experience and we want employees to be very confident in an emergency situation."

As part of the drill, community partners, Greene County EMS, Greensboro Fire Department, Greensboro Police Department, Greene County Emergency Dispatch Operators, emergency vehicles and volunteers will participate.

Editor's Note:
Saint Joseph's Hospital, the regions premier provider of cardiac and vascular services and recognized as one of the 50 top hospitals in the country, is Atlanta's oldest hospital. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1880, today Saint Joseph's is a 410-bed, acute-care hospital recognized as one of the leading specialty-referral hospitals in the Southeast. Saint Joseph's acquired Saint Joseph's East Georgia in 2008.

As a leader in cardiac, neurologic, vascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, orthopaedic and cancer care, among others, Saint Joseph's offers its patients the latest procedures and treatments by providing its medical staff of more than 750 physicians with research services and the most advanced technology available. In addition to serving the metro-Atlanta area, patients come from all over Georgia, nearby states and internationally because of Saint Joseph's specialized services, excellent reputation and unique patient experience.

Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Joseph's is a member of Catholic Health East. For more information, visit the website at www.saintjosephsatlanta.org.