Flagler Hospital to Adjust Services & Access in Preparation for Hurricane Irma

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – September 8, 2017 - Flagler Hospital has a comprehensive hurricane plan in place, which is designed to provide the safest possible environment for our patients and staff during and after hurricane conditions. The hospital continues to monitor storm projections closely and is taking all the necessary precautions from a supply, staffing and facilities perspective to ensure preparedness for all weather scenarios.

At this time, the Hospital has activated its incident command system. For the safety of our patients, the hospital will limit access, beginning at noon on Saturday, September 9, receiving only emergency patients and scheduled staff via the emergency department. We will be asking all visitors to leave the hospital prior to that time for their own safety. Please do not attempt to seek shelter at the hospital. For county emergency and shelter information, contact the citizen information line at 904-824-5550 or visit http://www.sjcfl.us/hurricane/index.htm

Also, the following services are closed to the public beginning at noon today through Monday, September 11th. If you had a surgery or procedure scheduled during that timeframe, you will be contacted to reschedule.

• Outpatient Surgery
• Flagler Surgery Center
• Imaging Center
• Laboratory services

Please also note that the outpatient Flagler laboratories located on 312 and in Murabella will also be closed. The hospital has ample resources in place to sustain current operations and the facility is fully functional.

As always, we are working in close cooperation with the St. Johns County Department of Emergency Management. Below are some tips to remember:

1. Persons in poor health and those who live alone should make plans in advance for how they will respond if power outages or other issues occur. Serious consideration should be given to evacuation or seeking refuge at a special needs shelter until the weather stabilizes.
2. Women expecting babies should contact their physicians regarding what they should do.
3. Please do not seek shelter at the hospital during or after a tropical storm or hurricane.
4. Listen to local television and radio updates regarding the availability of all essential services, including the hospital’s emergency department.