End of Day 1 Summary

1
VHA National Exercise Assessing VHAs Pandemic
Influenza Plan
End of Day 1 Summary June 23, 2008
This document is confidential and is intended
solely for the use and information of the client
to whom it is addressed.
2
Table Of Contents

• Introductions
• Day 1 Situation Description
• Results from Pan Flu Advisor and EMCG meetings
• Anticipated VHA Needs
• Feedback from CRT
• Closing

3
Table Of Contents

• Introductions
• Day 1 Situation Description
• Results from Pan Flu Advisor and EMCG meetings
• Anticipated VHA Needs
• Feedback from CRT
• Closing

4
Day 1 Situation Description

• Day One is approximately two weeks after initial
  influenza cases reported in U.S.
• Private and public hospitals and clinics are
  reporting significant increases in flu patients.
  Emergency Departments and clinics are calculating
  a 10-20 influx of patients.
• Due to the influx of patients, a concern across
  hospitals and clinics begins to arise over
  resources, specifically patient bed space.
  Current census reports for hospitals and clinics
  in major metropolitan areas are at 110.
• Shortage of hospital staff is starting to become
  a concern. Hospitals and clinics begin to see a
  3-5 decline in staff due to infection.
• Community mitigation measures are in effect,
  variably across the country.
• Vaccine is not yet available.

5
Table Of Contents

• Introductions
• Day 1 Situation Description
• Results from Pan Flu Advisor and EMCG meetings
• Anticipated VHA Needs
• Feedback from CRT
• Closing

6
Results from Pan Flu Advisors/EMCG meetings

• Overarching message from VA to Veterans and
  employees concerning national Pan Flu Guidance to
  serve as model for local PAOs.
• Local PAOs need flexibility to respond to local
  stake holders because of the uneven spread of
  flu.
• VAMCs have activated their pan flu technical
  assistance committees consistent with guidance
  issued in 2006.
• VHA is activating two separate 800 call in lines
  in Topeka, KS for Veterans and employees.

7
Results from Pan Flu Advisors/EMCG meetings

• VHA is defining reporting requirements from
  VISNs/VAMCs to streamline reporting.
• VHA anticipates requests for anti viral
  medications, respirators, critical supplies, etc.
  Developing policies to balance between
  anticipated ESF taskings, humanitarian requests
  for assistance and VA needs.
• VHA is providing national guidance for patient
  diversion from individual VAMCs.
• VHA will be providing guidance for emergency
  credentialing for volunteers.

8
Table Of Contents

• Introductions
• Day 1 Situation Description
• Results from Pan Flu Advisor and EMCG meetings
• VHA Anticipated Needs
• Questions for CRT
• Closing

9
VHA Anticipated Needs

• Request National Acquisition Center be prepared
  to purchase various commodities that may be
  needed during a pan flu pandemic.
• Request IT develop contingency plans for surge of
  employees that need to work from home.
• For facilities severely impacted by the pandemic,
  VHA anticipates a need for increased security at
  several facilities.

10
VHA Anticipated Needs

• VHA anticipates a number of HR issues. HR may
  want to consider developing guidance to VA
  facilities.
• VHA anticipates requests for anti viral
  medications, respirators, critical supplies, etc.
  Developing policies to balance between
  anticipated ESF taskings, humanitarian requests
  for assistance and VA needs.

11
Table Of Contents

• Introductions
• Day 1 Situation Description
• Results from Pan Flu Advisor and EMCG meetings
• VHA Anticipated Needs
• Feedback from CRT
• Closing

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Feedback from CRT

• Office of Acquisition and Materials management
  will be requested to attend all CRT meetings for
  the duration of the pandemic.
• HR was tasked to provide guidance to all
  administrations including VHA on emergency
  authorities and policy.
• Need for enhanced security at VHA facilities,
  discussed with Office of Law Enforcement.
• Current IT policies for telecommuting will remain
  in place until further notice.

13
Table Of Contents

• Introductions
• Day 1 Situation Description
• Results from Pan Flu Advisor and EMCG meetings
• VHA Anticipated Needs
• Questions for CRT
• Closing

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Closing