Confluence Health Activated its Hospital Incident Command System Sunday

In light of reports regarding positive infections of COVID-19 statewide, the Confluence Health Executive Leadership Team has activated their HICS, or Hospital Incident Command System Sunday.

Communications Specialist Clint Strand said that when the system is initiated, previously agreed upon roles within their healthcare system are put into action in anticipation of a major incident.

"With the HICS system, things get simplified." explained Strand, "The chain of command gets a lot more clear so that there is an uninterrupted flow of information and effectiveness when decisions need to get made fast, and when they need to be made in a timely manner."

HICS involves the same principles of the national incident management system but adapted for healthcare systems. Confluence Health initially had a table top exercise scheduled for later this week regarding coronavirus, but with HICS in place the purpose became redundant.

If you are exhibiting symptoms that you feel require immediate medical attention, please call 9-1-1. If you are exhibiting symptoms you feel may be consistent with COVID-19, please do not show up at your place of health care unannounced. Instead, call the Washington Department of Health at 1-800-525-0127.