Designing for Disaster Preparedness

Hospital Safety: Designing for Disaster Preparedness

Why Disaster Preparedness Matters

Hospitals are crucial in disaster response, serving as lifelines for entire communities. When natural disasters strike, these facilities must continue functioning effectively, providing life-saving care and coordinating emergency operations. However, incidents worldwide reveal that many hospitals remain vulnerable when disaster hits.

Global Perspective on Safety Incidents:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1,300 health facilities were damaged or destroyed by disasters globally between 2000 and 2019, leaving communities without essential healthcare services.

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti saw the destruction of 50 hospitals and healthcare centres, highlighting the catastrophic impact of natural disasters on healthcare infrastructure.

Indian Context:

In India, healthcare facilities are highly vulnerable to natural disasters. The 2013 Uttarakhand floods severely damaged hospitals, cutting off access to healthcare services for weeks in some regions.

The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) reports that over 50% of India’s healthcare infrastructure is located in disaster-prone areas, particularly in seismic zones and flood-prone regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and coastal cities such as Mumbai and Chennai.

Designing Hospitals for Disaster Preparedness

2.Flood Resistant Design

In flood-prone areas, hospitals are designed with elevated structures to prevent water damage to critical areas. Essential services such as power systems, emergency rooms, and medical equipment storage are often placed on higher floors.

Flood-resistant materials and drainage systems diverting water from the building are key design elements in protecting hospitals from water damage. Mumbai, for example, has seen newer hospitals implement these flood mitigation strategies to minimise risk during monsoons and cyclones.

3.Storm Proofing

Hospitals in regions vulnerable to storms and hurricanes are equipped with impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofs, and wind-bracing structures to prevent damage from high winds and flying debris.

In cyclone-prone states like Odisha and Tamil Nadu, architects focus on compact, low-rise buildings with secure foundations, reducing the risk of structural collapse during storms.

4.Reliable Backup Systems

Power outages and critical system failures during disasters can be life-threatening for patients. The 2015 Chennai floods underscored the importance of these systems. Many hospitals were left without power, forcing staff to ventilate patients manually due to equipment failure.

Disaster-ready hospitals incorporate redundant power systems, such as backup generators, solar panels, and alternative water sources, to ensure the continuous operation of essential medical equipment and lighting during emergencies.

5.Modular and Scalable Designs

Hospitals must be flexible enough to handle an influx of patients during disasters. Architects increasingly use modular construction techniques, allowing facilities to expand rapidly by adding temporary or permanent units.

Modular wards or field hospitals were a standard solution during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling healthcare facilities to accommodate more patients without compromising the quality of care.

6.Integrated Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs)

Hospitals are now incorporating emergency operations centres into their designs. These centres allow hospital administrators to coordinate disaster response efforts and communicate with government agencies, ensuring a smooth and coordinated response during emergencies.

EOCs are equipped with secure power supplies, communication networks, and spaces where critical decisions can be made without interruption.

Conclusion: Investing in Resilience

Given the increasing frequency of natural disasters, investing in disaster-resilient hospital design is prudent but essential. For hospital owners and executives, it’s not just about compliance but ensuring that the hospital remains operational when needed. Healthcare architects are at the forefront of this effort, integrating advanced disaster mitigation strategies to safeguard healthcare infrastructure and protect lives.