When computers crashed, one Milwaukee hospital turned away ambulances

At least four patients, including one who was having a life-threatening heart attack, were turned away


Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Wis., shut its emergency department doors to most incoming ambulances for two hours in late August because of a computer failure, turning away at least four patients, including one who was having a life-threatening heart attack, according to an article on the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel website.

Less than a week later, two of Ascension Wisconsin's hospitals — in Milwaukee and nearby Ozaukee County — had a similar situation. Computers were out for eight hours. However, Ascension did not go on diversion.

The contrasting responses illustrate how a voluntary ban against ambulance diversion in Milwaukee County is being interpreted differently.

Under the voluntary ban, launched in April 2016, Milwaukee County hospitals can only divert ambulances under certain limited circumstances, such as if there is a fire, electrical outage, gunman on the grounds or other disasters.

Read the article.     

 



September 12, 2019


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Hospitals Are Energy Super-Users. Why Is It So Hard to Modernize Them?

Managers face the ongoing challenge of finding a practical way to fund improvements while competing with capital priorities.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bangor Officially Opens

Encompass Health Bangor is the company’s first wholly owned hospital in Maine.


Early Entry: Manager's Critical Role in Construction Planning

Facilities managers should seek a seat at the table early to shape decisions that affect operations and continuity of care from the onset.


The Evolution of Lighting in Patient Care

Lighting is a significant investment that healthcare facility managers can make to aid in healing.


HealthPartners and Essentia Health to Combine Organizations

The organizations anticipate the combination will be effective Jan. 1, 2027.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.