Being Proactive: Spring Valley Hospital to Use Mobile Medical Facility in Event of Patient Overflow

<b>Event Details</b><br /> <b>Where: </b>Spring Valley Hospital, 5400 S. Rainbow (at Hacienda), Emergency entrance<br /> <b>When:</b> Friday, January 11 from 12 to 1:30 p.m.<br /> <b>What:</b> Tour mobile medical facility; interviews with key officials<br /> <br /> While the flu season has not yet struck with a vengeance in Southern Nevada, Spring Valley Hospital officials will work closely with the City of Las Vegas and Clark County to install a mobile medical facility adjacent to the emergency department on Friday, January 11, 2013.<br /> <br /> &ldquo;Spring Valley Hospital is fully prepared to handle an influx of patients as we do every year. The tent is an example of the cooperative relationship we have with city and county emergency systems should the need arise,&rdquo; said Leonard Freehof, CEO/Managing Director of Spring Valley Hospital. &ldquo;We also want to encourage people that if they are having a medical emergency to seek immediate medical treatment.&rdquo;<br /> <br /> Spring Valley Hospital is coordinating its efforts closely with the City of Las Vegas, the Clark County Fire Department (since it is located in Clark County) and the State of Nevada to ensure all requirements are met.<br /> <b><br /> Fast Facts About the Mobile Medical Facility</b> <ul> <li>The City of Las Vegas&rsquo;s mobile medical facility is part of the valley&rsquo;s Metropolitan Medical Response System.</li> <li>It is 90 feet x 39 feet and can accommodate up to 20 beds. The city&rsquo;s unit has supplies for 16 beds.</li> <li>The cost was $182,000 and was funded by a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.</li> <li>It is basically a blow-up building of sorts. Generators inflate the unit and help create a climate controlled interior.</li> </ul> <br /> &ldquo;Setting up the city&rsquo;s mobile medical facility is a proactive step in making sure our valley is ready for any situation,&rdquo; said Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman. &ldquo;Our emergency management team always strives to be ahead of a potential issue, and once again, this shows our commitment to being prepared. We&rsquo;re happy to assist the first responders and medical professionals across the valley whenever called upon.&rdquo;<br /> <br /> &ldquo;Flu season has gotten off to a terrible start around the country and it&rsquo;s likely the problem hasn&rsquo;t peaked yet,&rdquo; said Clark County Commission Chair Steve Sisolak, who represents the area where the hospital is located. &ldquo;Local residents should take the earliest opportunity to get a flu shot to protect themselves. This is especially important for the elderly and children. Fortunately, Las Vegas has not been hit as hard as most places around the country.&rdquo;

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