While the Ebola crisis never reached the Chicago area, it produced a system of training and collaboration among public and private health entities. Now Chicago healthcare facilities are preparing for a post-Ebola public health crisis, according to an article on the Chicago Tribune website.
One example is regular training at city hospitals on the meticulous protocol used to treat patients with a highly contagious virus — where one carelessly taped glove could the spread of infection.
It also includes building the connections and communication between hospitals that would allow them to work together in a crisis.
The Chicago partnership enabled hospitals to share protective equipment not every facility had available.