HOUSTON, Sept. 22, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Texas Children's Hospital is taking proactive measures to prepare for Hurricane Rita. It is working closely with city officials and the Texas Medical Center.
If appropriate, Texas Children's is discharging patients today and tomorrow and is making all necessary preparations for those that need to stay. The hospital also is working out logistics for patient families.
As of Wednesday, Sept. 21, Texas Children's has the following in place: food, fuel, backup generator system, pharmacy and medical supplies.
In addition, Texas Children's has flood doors that will be activated once surrounding bayous reach 7 inches.
Texas Children's currently has a high census and is asking the community to use the hospital as a last resort for emergencies only.
The following clinics and services will be closed today and Friday:
-- Texas Children's Health Centers
-- Texas Children's Pediatric Associates located in evacuation
zones; others will remain open today depending on patient
demand
Elective surgeries also will be canceled.
As always, patient care and the safety of patient families is the first priority for Texas Children's. We are asking members of the news media to please respect that priority and not contact the hospital for interviews or access to the campus. As soon as the hospital is ready to grant interviews and access to the campus, a member of the media relations team will contact you. Thank you for your understanding.