Smooth move: The use of the Emergo Train® system in transitioning to a new hospital

ABSTRACT

The Emergo Train® system has been used in over 30 countries to simulate major incidents and disasters in order to test the preparedness and management of response. Bendigo Health decided to use the Emergo Train system in a different way; to simulate a whole of hospital move. Almost 100 participants and observers were involved in the Emergo Train exercise which was designed to simulate the move from the old Bendigo Hospital to the new Bendigo Hospital site. A range of resources were developed and provided to participants prior to the exercise including department move plans, travel pathways, and action cards. Evaluation of the Emergo Train exercise identified that participants felt that the exercise helped them better prepare for the move and that it was a good investment of their time. A survey conducted following the transition into the new hospital found that participants felt that the exercise had a positive impact on patient safety on the day of the move and that they would recommend using the Emergo Train exercise in other hospital move simulations.

KEYWORDS:

• Emergo train
• hospital move
• simulation
• transition resources
• move plans

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.