Planning Annex Development

DQE's Planning Annex Development service helps hospitals enhance and develop preparedness documents specific to a particular hazard or task, such as pandemic planning (surge capacity), mass fatalities, and hospital evacuation. This is in contrast to a comprehensive emergency management plan that is all-hazards in nature. Annexes contain a description of the hazard being addressed, as well as the steps needed to mitigate and prepare for that hazard. In addition, an Annex describes the necessary response activities as well as any unique management, logistical and recovery considerations.

DQE uses the same approach for creating an Annex as it does for developing an emergency management plan. The process begins with reviewing any existing annexes relevant to the hazard and interviewing key stakeholders and community response partners. A draft plan is written and submitted to the Emergency Management Committee for changes and final approval prior to inclusion in the hospital’s emergency management plan.

Examples of Planning Annexes that DQE provides expertise guidance include: Surge Capacity, Mass Fatality, Hospital Evacuation, Pandemic Planning, Mass Casualty Incidents, Hazardous Materials Incidents, Biological Threats or Bio-Event Response (such as Mass Dispensing) and others.