Weathering the Storm
When a monstrous F5 tornado blew through Joplin, Missouri on Sunday, May 22, 2011, destroying everything in its path, Nueterra Healthcare immediately swung into action.
Although the tornado uprooted trees, mangled cars, and claimed 116 lives in Joplin, Nueterra Healthcare's partner facility Freeman Health System remained unscathed.
"During the tornado, there were disruptions in our utilities, but we were very fortunate," said Tammy Ham, senior vice president of Operations at Nueterra Healthcare. "We didn't have any structural damage or long-term consequences, enabling us to provide much-needed supplies and services to the community."
Treating approximately 916 patients in the hours and days following the disaster, Freeman Health System remained one of only two fully functioning medical facilities in Joplin.
Implementing the Disaster Preparedness Plan
Executing specific policies and procedures outlined and practiced in quarterly disaster reviews and drills, Freeman Health System was performing outpatient surgical procedures within two weeks of the disaster.
"We were in constant communication with Freeman Health System to help them determine what health care services they were able to provide during the Joplin tragedy," said Stephen Hirlinger, group vice president of Nueterra Healthcare. "We also worked with vendors, as well as state and local municipalities, to ensure that our water supply and equipment weren't negatively affected."
Nueterra also supplied the state with appropriate documentation, ensuring Freeman Health System was 100 percent functional.
"We followed our disaster checklist and gathered information from local utilities and structural engineers," Ham said. "Remaining calm throughout chaos, working as a team, and providing a safe haven for patients is something that Nueterra Healthcare takes pride in."
Supporting the Community
While other health care facilities lost members of their medical staff and patients, Freeman Health System remained one of the lucky few within the community. Freeman Health System's staff and surgeons were able to fi ll the acute care needs of the community when they needed it most.
"Through Nueterra Healthcare's One5 Foundation, we were able to supply the community with water and cleaning supplies," Hirlinger said. "I would like to applaud the heroic efforts made by our staff and physician partners during the Joplin tornado."
To learn more about Nueterra Healthcare's partnerships, visit www.nueterrahealthcare.com