Bed Capacity Holds Steady at 22.3% Availability
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
CONTACT: JULIET HAUSER
(941) 830-2922
Tallahassee, FL —As Hurricane Ian makes landfall, Florida’s hospitals are working closely with state and local officials to coordinate the emergency response throughout the state and to ensure critical communications are timely conveyed to state and local leaders.
"Hospitals across the Sunshine State have well-established emergency response plans and highly trained teams prepared to respond," said Mary Mayhew, CEO of FHA. "Our hospitals are focused on protecting their patients and their staff, and caring for their communities. They are well equipped to sustain operations through a natural disaster and support response efforts in the aftermath of a catastrophic event."
FHA has been working closely with the state to assist with any outreach to hospitals and support any necessary coordination regarding evacuations. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM), Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) are providing daily briefings to a statewide forum of hospital leaders and hospital emergency managers and responding to identified questions and concerns.
There are 317 hospitals in Florida, serving more than 47,680 patients at this time.
Current data, as of 11:00 a.m. today, reveals:
- Total Available Beds: 13,622
- Bed Availability: 22.3%
- Hospitals Evacuating: 15
- Affected Patients: 350
Current beds available represent an increase of 1,040 since Tuesday, September 27.
“We are grateful for the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Director Guthrie, Secretary Marstiller and Surgeon General Ladapo and the 24/7 support of all of their staff in responding to this crisis," said Mayhew.
“The safety of all Floridians is our top priority. I encourage everyone to follow state and local government guidelines and warnings. In the event of a health-related emergency, many Florida hospitals remain open to provide the quality care Floridians deserve. As soon as it is safe, others will reopen and resume their normal operations."
ABOUT THE FHA
Founded in 1927, the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) is the leading voice for health care in the State of Florida. Through representation and advocacy, education and informational services, the Florida Hospital Association supports the mission of over 200 hospitals and health care systems to provide the highest quality of care to the patients we serve. Led by President and CEO Mary Mayhew, the Florida Hospital Association is located in Tallahassee and is governed by a Board of Trustees and officers elected by the member institutions.