Preparing for a pandemic: Our plans and lessons learnt as a department in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

This is a descriptive article aiming to present and analyse the steps of preparedness and troubleshooting of problems faced at operating rooms and intensive care unit during the ongoing coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Ireland from February 2020 to March 2020. Concerning preparation, we reviewed all aspects of our clinical and potential logistic issues and their accessible solutions in times of limited resources. Analysing availability of critical care staff and essential escalation of care area capacity during the ongoing pandemic, we observed that there was strong communication, commitment and team work among departmental and other non-critical care staff, and disciplines. Being the only regional teaching hospital with critical care unit in county Louth, we found ourselves confident and content with our preparation. We found good communication and training as critical factors in the preparation for a pandemic.