Hospitals Ensure Patients Have 24 Hour Care During Winter Weather

Dana Hertneky, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- When the roads get bad, the advice is typically stay home, but what about those who can't -- the doctors and nurses where lives depend on them getting to work.

At The Children's Center there are about 110 children who need round the clock attention no matter what the weather brings.

But when last week's snow left roads impassable, administrators spent 48 hours shuttling employees to and from work.

"We didn't have any issues them (nurses) not being here," said Lori Boyd of The Children's Center. "Some of them had to work a little extra longer so we could get the staff to trade them out."

So this time The Children's Center and other hospitals across the city are setting aside hotel rooms.

For The Children's Center: 22 rooms at a nearby Holiday Inn Express, enough for 88 nurses, over two shifts, who have volunteered to stay. Tami Kain said she comforted to know she now no longer has to worry about the weather or who's going to take care of the children.

"It's a big relief not having to get up at 4:30 in the morning and drive in who knows what weather conditions," Kain said.

At Integris Baptist Hospital a spokesperson said they have set up sleeping quarters throughout the hospital. They have also put up people in nearby hotels and will have shuttles running within a 10 mile radius for employees.

For loved one's of patients, it means security of knowing someone will be here even if they can't.

"I think it's wonderful and it will help us sleep better tonight know that he's going to be taken care of and there will be enough people here," said Denise Burns, who's son Fletcher is a patient at The Children's Center.

The Children's Center said they are also setting up beds at the hospital for those who want to stay there.