Major Incident Operational Plan

Preface by the Chief Executive

In the event of a Major/Mass Casualty Incident (MI) Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (ASPH) is likely to play a significant part in the overall NHS response as defined by the Civil Contingencies Act (2004). The challenge for our Trust will be to maximise capabilities to treat casualties; whilst maintaining services to our patients already in our care.

The purpose of the Major Incident Plan (MIP) is to ensure that ASPH is prepared to efficiently and effectively respond to all types of MI. The term MI covers a wide range of events from transport accidents to natural disasters, as well as terrorism.

This plan is a core operational plan, outlining the Trusts response to any form of incident, including, mobilisation of staff and resources as required. Emergency Preparedness Response & Resilience - EPRR Framework covers requirements for MI and business resilience response. Other specific emergency plans, including Pandemic Flu, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear & Explosive (CBRNE), Evacuation, VIP, Lockdown and Internal Incident Plans should be read in conjunction with this plan.

To ensure an effective response to any incident the Trust works in partnership with other Cat 1 NHS organisations, including all emergency services and local authorities. ASPH adopts a multi-agency planning, training, exercising and review process in order to ensure essential elements in MI preparedness and response are executed.

A MI can occur at any time of day or night. It is vital that we are prepared and able to respond at short notice; providing a co-ordinated response to ensure the safety of our patients, relatives and friends, as well as our staff.

Policy Details

See also:

• CBRNE Plan
• Business Continuity Plan
• Outbreak Plan
• Evacuation Plan
• Internal Incident Plan
• Surrey Mass Casualty Plan
• Surrey Major Incident Plan - SMIP
• South West London Trauma Network MI Framework (SWLTN)
• Lockdown Plan
• VIP Policy
• Major Incident Communications Plan