Preparing for Emergencies Guidance

Executive Summary

Health Boards need to be resilient and well prepared to address the impact and consequences of various types of emergencies and disruptive incidents while maintaining services to patients. This can be complex and multi-faceted involving a wide range of issues including the assessment of risk, the deployment of resources and co-operation with other agencies to develop robust emergency plans. Being prepared means that Health Boards, particularly those identified as Category 1 and 2 responders under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (CCA), clearly understand what is required and they are ready to respond effectively. It is equally important that Health Boards are fully prepared for a wide range of other disruptive events and/or emergency situations, not covered by civil contingencies legislation.

Divided into eight sections with Appendices, this guidance explains what should be done to enhance organisational resilience and capability. Each section of the previous Preparing for Emergencies Guidance (2013) has undergone intense scrutiny and has been reviewed and refreshed by subject matter experts and those that will be implementing the guidance at local level. Below is a summary of each section.

Section 1 sets the context of the guidance and explains its purpose, reflects new legislation, and provides an overview of the role of Integration Joint Boards (IJBs) in preparing for emergencies.

Section 2 highlights the aims and objectives underpinning emergency preparedness and the activities required by Chief Executives to ensure that their Health Board complies with legally mandated duties.

Section 3 focuses on the designation of particular Health Boards as Category 1 and Category 2 responders under the Civil Contingencies Act (CCA) 2004. It also highlights key issues in relation to ensuring compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998.

Section 4 explains the wider context within which bodies listed as responders under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 should plan and prepare for emergencies. It sets out roles and responsibilities at various stages of the emergency planning process in line with legally mandated duties.

Section 5 showcases the 3 key elements of emergency response: Preparations, Responding, and Recovering. All CCA responders must aid in this process depending on their roles and functions (e.g. response and recovery will be led by Health Boards; IJB functions lend themselves most effectively to strategic planning of health and care services for emergencies, as well as normal business). It also covers the principles of the Joint Emergency Service Interoperability Programme (JESIP).

Section 6 outlines the role of key public bodies in civil protection and resilience, from a health perspective. It also highlights the action to be taken by Health Boards when faced with exceptional service pressures as a result of a major incident.

Section 7 sets out the requirements of Health Boards in relation to preparing for and managing a range of incidents of varying nature and scale. While this document remains strategic in scope, updates cover resources and guidance for incidents with unique challenges. This section has been updated to reflect a range of new information, particularly around: Communicable Diseases, Burns Services and Mass Casualties Incidents / Fatalities.

Section 8 considers specific populations in the community who may be vulnerable during major incidents and emergency situations. It addresses what Health Boards should do with partner agencies to respond to the needs of these populations. This section features refreshed guidance specifically on children and young people.

Appendices provide more information to assist those with a role in planning and preparing for emergencies within Health Boards.

• Appendix 1 - Members of the Short Life Working Group
• Appendix 2 - Business Continuity Management
• Appendix 3 - Sample Mutual Aid agreement
• Appendix 4 - Developing an emergency communication strategy
• Appendix 5 - Managing public health incidents resources
• Appendix 6 - Roles of organisations during a radiological or nuclear incident
• Appendix 7 - Information to assist planning for a MIMC
• Appendix 8 - Psychological First Aid (PFA)
• Appendix 9 - Additional Information
• Appendix 10 - Glossary of Terms