Taking care of the sick and scared: a local response in pandemic preparedness

Virtually all health care operations, including public health, are undertaken only at a local or regional level. Large-scale infectious disease emergencies, such as SARS or pandemic influenza, will be recognized and managed at a local level. The creation of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) was an important step in strengthening public health capacity. However, we need adequate operational capacity in local public health departments to have a strong public health system. Local public health takes an integral role in the preparation for and management of infectious disease emergencies. Local public health departments and regional public health infrastructures must be positioned to both maintain core functions and to lead and support health sector response to emergencies. The local establishment of a flexible and sustainable emergency management system must address the need to: integrate health care and first responders; provide all-hazards tools for managing a crisis at the frontline; rank service priorities and provide surge resources; and provide accurate information on a timely basis. Only the leaders within the local or regional health care facilities and organizations can develop workable plans to deliver health care. PHAC must ensure and support the local public health infrastructure and local emergency preparedness. Without this support, there will be consequences for local response to major public health emergencies.