NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Leads Infectious Disease Preparedness Efforts

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, in collaboration with various city agencies and international partners, is at the forefront of infectious disease preparedness. The hospital has been actively involved in training exercises and partnerships to enhance its capabilities in handling highly pathogenic infectious diseases.

Participation in International Training Exercises

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue recently participated in the international Tranquil Passport exercise, which aimed to test the nation’s capability to safely and securely transport patients with highly pathogenic infectious diseases. This exercise involved coordination with multiple agencies, including the New York City Health Department, FDNY, and NYC Emergency Management.

Enhancing Preparedness for Infectious Diseases

The hospital has also conducted internal training exercises to test its ability to screen and isolate patients with simulated symptoms of infectious diseases such as H5N1, or bird flu. These exercises require healthcare and ambulance workers to follow strict safety protocols, including wearing N95 respirators, to prevent the spread of infection.

Regional and National Leadership in Infectious Disease Preparedness

As the HHS Region 2 Regional Emerging Special Pathogens Treatment Center (RESPTC), NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue plays a critical role in advancing high-consequence infectious disease preparedness. The hospital collaborates with public health agencies, EMS, and other hospitals in the region to ensure a coordinated response to infectious disease outbreaks.

Bellevue is also a founding member of the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC), contributing to national standards and training for infectious disease preparedness. This involvement underscores the hospital’s commitment to not only local but also national and international health security.

International Collaborations

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Medical Center of Korea to collaborate on infectious disease preparedness. This partnership focuses on information and resource sharing, clinical and research collaboration on high-consequence infectious diseases, and emergency preparedness strategies.

Additionally, Bellevue has announced an international strategic partnership with the Japan Institute of Health Security to enhance high school infectious disease preparedness. These international partnerships are crucial for sharing best practices, enhancing global health security, and preparing for future pandemics.

About NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue

As America’s oldest public hospital, established in 1736, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue is a major referral center for complex cases. Affiliated with the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the 851-bed hospital employs a highly skilled, interdisciplinary clinical staff. Its long history and expertise position it as a leader in healthcare and infectious disease management.

Key Takeaways

• NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue participated in the international Tranquil Passport exercise to test the safe transport of patients with highly pathogenic infectious diseases.
• The hospital conducted internal training exercises to enhance preparedness for infectious diseases like H5N1.
• Bellevue serves as the HHS Region 2 RESPTC and is a founding member of NETEC, contributing to national infectious disease preparedness standards.
• The hospital has established international collaborations with the National Medical Center of Korea and the Japan Institute of Health Security.
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue is a major referral center for complex cases and is affiliated with the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.