Rapid Hospital Readiness for COVID-19

16 items · Health · Medium difficulty · 30 min

Fast, practical steps to prepare your hospital for a COVID-19 surge.

• Activate incident command team

  Assign clear leadership roles and a single coordination point.

• Review bed capacity and surge plan

  Confirm current beds, ICU availability, and steps to expand capacity.

• Designate and prepare isolation areas

  Identify rooms/wards for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.

• Ensure PPE inventory and set reorder triggers

  Count masks, gowns, gloves, eye protection and note lead times.

• Check oxygen and ventilator supplies

  Verify oxygen sources, cylinders, concentrators and ventilator readiness.

• Implement staff screening and rostering

  Set symptom checks and adjust shifts to reduce cross-exposure.

• Screen staff for symptoms at shift start

  Use a brief checklist or temperature check for all incoming staff.

• Set triage and patient entry protocols

  Define where patients are assessed and how suspected cases are separated.

• Place visible triage signage and separate entry

  Mark routes and entrances to keep suspected cases apart from others.

• Stock essential medications and supplies

  Check stock of antivirals, antibiotics, IV fluids, and other essentials.

• Confirm testing and lab sample pathways

  Ensure clear sample labeling, safe transport, and timely results reporting.

• Ensure infection prevention and control (IPC) training refresher

  Give a quick refresher on hand hygiene and PPE use to all staff.

• Run a quick PPE donning/doffing drill

  Practice correct sequencing to reduce contamination risk.

• Establish patient flow and transport routes within the facility

  Map safe routes for moving patients to limit contact with others.

• Prepare cleaning and waste management procedures

  Confirm routine cleaning frequency and safe disposal of infectious waste.

• Organize staff mental health and rest support

  Set up brief check-ins, rest spaces, and referral options for staff.

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