City takes part in International Disaster Risk Reduction Exercise

A two year campaign "Hospitals Safe from Disasters" is being conducted by the secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The training campaign, which has the support of the World Bank, seeks to protect the lives of patients and staff, make sure health facilities can keep functioning during and after disasters, and ensure that health workers are prepared for and can cope with the consequences of natural disasters.

The City of Cape Town has decided to conduct simulated evacuation exercises to prepare health facilities in the Cape Metropole for possible disasters. These exercises are being held to commemorate the start of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction Week.

Relevant City departments, including the Disaster Risk Management Centre, Fire and Rescue Services, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, the Department of Local Government and Housing and the Department of Health will participate. A public and a private hospital will participate in these exercises.

The Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial hospital and the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre were selected to host this year's campaign on 14 and 15 October. Simulated evacuation exercises will be conducted at both facilities. The theme of the exercise will be "Hospitals safe from disasters, reduce risk, protect health facilities and save lives".

The campaign seeks to create disaster resilient communities by promoting increased awareness of the importance of disaster reduction and to reduce the consequent human, socio-economic and environmental losses.

This year's awareness drive will assist health facilities to remain fully functional during and in the aftermath of disaster/emergency situations.

Invitation

All media are invited to join Disaster Management at 09:30 on Wednesday, 14 October 2009 at the Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, 181 Longmarket Street Cape Town, and at the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre, 103 Highlands Drive Mitchells Plain, at 08:30 on Thursday, 15 October 2009.

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Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town