As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, dozens of healthcare facilities in the state are shuttering as residents prepare to evacuate.
On Oct. 6, Pinellas County issued a mandatory evacuation order for long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities and hospitals in three evacuation zones, which affected six hospitals, 25 nursing homes and 44 assisted living facilities — totaling about 6,600 patients.
In addition, several major health systems including New Port Richey, Fla.-based Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, Clearwater, Fla.-based BayCare, the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa, Gainesville-based University of Florida Health and Davie-based HCA Florida Healthcare are shuttering all or some facilities by Oct. 9.
Two orthopedic practices in storm's path are also taking steps to prepare, including closing their doors to patients and providers.
"As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, we are closely monitoring its impact, with landfall expected on the west coast tonight (Oct. 9) and strong winds, including the potential for tornadoes, forecast for the east coast by midday tomorrow. In light of these evolving conditions, we are prioritizing the safety of our patients and staff," a spokesperson from New York City-basd Hospital for Special Surgery, which operates facilities in Florida, told Becker's.
"HSS at NCH in Naples' outpatient office will remain closed today and tomorrow (Oct. 9-10), while the hospital remains open and fully operational. HSS Florida in West Palm Beach and HSS Wellington will close early today at 3 p.m. and remain closed tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 10. We expect to reopen on Friday, Oct. 11, pending further updates. We encourage everyone to take precautions and stay safe during this time."
Additional practices located in the state that are not in the direct path of the storm are also taking precautions.
"We will close our surgery center this Thursday [Oct. 10] as we anticipate some flooding and prefer to postpone elective cases at the Surgery Center at Doral. We will not be in the strong part of the hurricane," Alejandro Badia, MD, a hand and upper-limb surgeon at Badia Hand to Shoulder Center and founder of OrthoNOW, both based in Miami, told Becker's.