Survey will help form VU flood-assistance plan
As Nashville and the Middle Tennessee region continue to clean up in the wake of this weekend's historic storms and massive flooding, the focus has turned to helping members of the Vanderbilt community cope with their personal losses.
On Wednesday, Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos announced a faculty, staff and trainee needs assessment survey to gather information that will help the University gauge what response would be most beneficial.
Nicholas S. Zeppos
“As flood waters recede, our time to assist members of the Vanderbilt community who have been personally affected by this tragedy is beginning,” Zeppos wrote in a Vanderbilt-wide e-mail. “Personal stories of losses suffered by our colleagues and their families, and of our trainees, are heartbreaking. Yet, we serve an institution that is at its very best during times of challenge and sorrow.”
Jeff Balser, M.D., Ph.D., vice chancellor for Health Affairs and dean of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, said the the survey will be a vital tool in helping impacted employees.
“I have always said that Vanderbilt faculty and staff truly care about each other and are always ready to come together in a time of need,” Balser said. “I urge everyone to complete the assessment survey so we can best determine what help is needed and begin the healing and rebuilding process.”
The online needs assessment survey is available at http://vulink.info/aV3d5B.
The deadline to submit information is Monday, May 10.
The survey can be completed by affected individuals or by their supervisor. Deans, departmental leadership and managers are asked to make sure all employees or trainees under their supervision are aware of this survey.
Assistance is also available through Work/Life Connections-EAP by calling 936-1327.
As more assistance options become available, information will be posted at www.vanderbilt.edu/flood. That site also has information on applying for federal disaster relief, accessing legal services and replacing lost documents.
For information related to operations at VUMC, including the linen conservation plan and how to report damages, visit www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/flood.
Those who wish to make donations for faculty, staff and students in need can do so through the Employee Hardship Fund at http://vulink.info/949jAE.
Though overall damage at VUMC was minimal compared with the losses experienced by others, the Medical Center definitely experienced the storm's wrath and responded quickly and appropriately.
Jacob Howell helps clear water from VUH on Monday. (photo by Susan Urmy)
The Emergency Operations Center, which coordinates crisis response and communications efforts, opened Sunday morning and remained in operation until mid-week.
As the historic rains fell over the weekend, water began to intrude the basements of The Vanderbilt Clinic and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.
VUMC’s Emergency Operations Center kicked into high gear during last weekend’s historic flooding and remained open for several days to manage VUMC’s response efforts. (photo by Susan Urmy)
VUMC went on orange alert for internal and external flooding and the Emergency Operations Center opened in Medical Center North Sunday morning.
Children's Hospital sterile processing had to be relocated and clinics located in the basement of TVC were damaged, but VUMC remained fully operational.
Ken Browning, director of Plant Operations, said the Nashville Fire Department helped pump the water out within hours. Then staff from all areas of the Medical Center assisted in clean up efforts.
“I want to thank all VUMC staff who pitched in during the flooding, and especially praise the efforts of Plant Operations. To see what the area looked like on Monday compared to Sunday was just incredible,” said C. Wright Pinson, M.D., MBA, deputy vice chancellor for Health Affairs and senior associate dean for Clinical Affairs.
“Our emergency response plan has been well executed thanks to the dedication and hard work of leadership who staffed the Emergency Operations Center. We perform many drills to prepare for events like this, and I'm pleased to report that everything ran perfectly.”
Water rushes into the Children’s Hospital basement on Sunday morning. (photo by Buddy Skipper)
Kevin B. Churchwell, M.D., CEO and executive director of the Children's Hospital echoed this sentiment in an e-mail to staff.
“This past weekend showed me once again what great people I work with each and every day,” he wrote. “When we are faced with challenges we overcome them by working together and by always putting the needs of our patients above everything else. I appreciate your willingness and thoughtfulness during the last 72 hours. I hope you know that you are appreciated and it is an honor to work side by side with you each day.”
Three clinics were affected by the TVC basement flooding: Radiation Oncology, Neurology, and Pulmonology. Plans were activated to accommodate these patients at satellite locations around Nashville or within other clinics on the main campus.
Two remediation contractors were on site beginning Monday with fans and dehumidifiers to help with the drying process.
Repairs are under way, and officials hope to reopen these clinics soon.