Tomorrow, nurses from around the area will practice fundamentals to care for Louisiana’s chronically ill residents in a disaster situation.

The Department of Health – Office of Public Health, Nursing Services Program is hosting a training session that will enhance the skills of the nurses who will care for patients at Special Needs Shelters in the event of a hurricane or other emergency.

Special Needs Shelters are designed to provide emergency shelter to those with special medical needs. Often, those sheltered have a number of medical issues that require a nurse’s care. This training will provide specific information on caring for many of the health issues encountered in a shelter, including patients with respiratory problems, diabetes and serious wounds.

The training will be held on Friday, Sept. 8, at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. Staff from the hospital will teach the nurses these skills.

The media are invited to attend the training from 2:30-4:30 p.m. At this time, the nurses will simulate the clinical skills required to care for special needs patients.

What:             Nurse Training to Care for Chronically Ill Patients During Disasters

When:             Friday, Sept. 8, 2006

                        2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Where:           Lake Charles Memorial Hospital

                        1701 Oak Park Blvd.

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