Severe flooding in Louisiana caused Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge to transfer a total of 40 critically ill patients to other Ochsner facilities with another 10 to 15 patients expected to be transferred as an additional precautionary measure, according an Ochsner announcement on Sunday.
Ochsner is working with state and local officials to monitor water levels and assess the total impact of the severe weather.
"Patient safety is our highest priority," Ochsner's release reads. "We will remain in contact with the Office of Emergency Preparedness to ensure that military vehicles and air transport support will be available should we need it. Ochsner Baton Rouge medical personnel remain on site and the facility has power, water and adequate supplies to care for our remaining patients and staff."
The release also states that Ochsner's EMR ensures patients will receive a continuity of care across the system.
A state of emergency has been declared in Louisiana due to the flooding, which is mostly around the Baton Rouge area. More than 20,000 people and 500 pets have been rescued from the rising flood waters, and the flooding has caused at least six deaths, according to ABC News.
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