Lourdes Valley Nursing Home, SA

Major Incident Plan

Southern Cross Care Lourdes Valley is located in close proximity to the South Eastern freeway, the foothills and Cross Road which is the main arterial route to the Western and Southern suburbs of Adelaide. Taking all these factors into consideration, the facility is deemed to be situated in a high risk location.

It was recognised that there was no formal evacuation plan from the facility and relocation to another destination. A Disaster Recovery Group consisting of key personnel from site and corporate levels was formed and met on a monthly basis. Key personnel roles were refined and documented on action cards. Equipment required for the plan was identified, trialed and evaluated. It was agreed the Major Incident Plan would extend from the existing Fire and Evacuation procedure. The annual fire and emergency training sessions for staff were upgraded to incorporate the Major Incident Plan. Information sessions are scheduled bi-annually for the residents.

Several government departments were invited at various stages of the project to assist and analyse the effectiveness of the plan. These departments included the Emergency Services Administrative Unit, SA Police, Australian Red Cross and SA Ambulance. A "mock trial" of the Major Incident Plan is conducted on an annual basis to assess the effectiveness of the plan for different scenarios. The State Emergency Services Planning Officer, Fire and Emergency Training facilitator and the Southern Cross Care Risk Manager are invited to the "mock trials".

Residents were involved in planning through the OHS&W Committee and resident meetings. The residents have expressed that they have a sense of security knowing that they are assured of a plan of action in response to any disaster effecting the sites operations, and that they will be evacuated and relocated in a systematic/timely manner with least discomfort to them.

The formulation extended over a period of two years, completing in February 2005. The Major Incident Plan demonstrates the commitment of management and staff at all levels to continually strive to provide the highest standard of service to our residents.