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

Making the Energy Efficiency Case to the C-Suite

Hospital executives often wrestle with energy decisions made today that either free up budget for patient care or drain resources that could go elsewhere.


How to Avoid HAIs This Flu Season

There are risks surrounding hospitalizations. Here’s how to avoid them.


Design Phase Set to Begin for Hospital Annex at SUNY Upstate Medical

The design will feature a new, expanded emergency department and burn unit to serve the Central New York Region.


Building Hospital Resilience in an Era of Extreme Weather

Expert Jennifer Mahan discusses the vulnerabilities healthcare facilities face during disasters and the infrastructure strategies that keep operations running.


Ennoble Care Falls Victim to Data Breach

Their investigation into the incident is still ongoing.


 
 


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.