KNOWLEDGE BASE
POLICY
Emergency and Disaster Management Plan
Document No:
POL-009
Version:
1.0
Approved by:
Management
Effective Date:
30/06/2026
Review Date:
30/06/2027
Purpose
Bodyfocus Wellness Centre is committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of patients, employees, contractors, students, and visitors during emergencies, disasters, and other significant disruptions.
This plan outlines the organisation's approach to preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergency situations that may affect people, services, facilities, or business operations.
Scope
This plan applies to all personnel engaged by Bodyfocus Wellness Centre and covers emergencies, disasters, public health events, and significant business disruptions.
Objectives
The objectives of this plan are to:
Protect the health and safety of people.
Minimise harm and disruption.
Support continuity of essential services.
Facilitate effective communication during emergencies.
Support recovery following an incident or disaster.
Promote preparedness and resilience.
Types of Emergencies
Emergencies may include, but are not limited to:
Fire
Medical emergencies
Severe weather events
Flooding
Storm damage
Utility failures
Infectious disease outbreaks
Pandemic events
Information technology disruptions
Security incidents
Natural disasters
Other events affecting safety or service delivery
General Emergency Response
Where an emergency occurs, personnel should:
Prioritise personal safety and the safety of others.
Contact emergency services where required.
Follow emergency instructions and evacuation procedures.
Notify management as soon as practicable.
Assist affected persons where safe and appropriate.
Follow any directions issued by emergency responders.
Evacuation
Where evacuation is required:
Personnel should leave the area safely and promptly.
Patients and visitors should be assisted where appropriate.
Emergency exits and assembly points should be used.
Personnel should not re-enter affected areas until authorised.
Emergency evacuation procedures will be communicated to personnel during induction and ongoing training.
Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency:
Immediate assistance should be provided where safe and appropriate.
Emergency services should be contacted where required.
Management should be notified as soon as practicable.
The incident should be documented through organisational reporting processes.
Infectious Disease Outbreaks and Pandemics
Where an infectious disease outbreak, pandemic, or public health emergency occurs, Bodyfocus
Wellness Centre may implement additional measures including:
Enhanced infection prevention and control practices
Screening processes
Service modifications
Telehealth or alternative service delivery methods
Workforce management strategies
Public health directives and guidance
Measures implemented will be proportionate to the identified risks and applicable public health requirements.
Information Technology and System Disruptions
Where information systems or technology services become unavailable:
Alternative communication methods may be utilised.
Critical information should be protected and secured.
Service continuity arrangements may be implemented where appropriate.
Management will coordinate recovery activities.
Business Continuity
Management will take reasonable steps to support the continuation of essential services during significant disruptions.
This may include:
Alternative work arrangements
Temporary service modifications
Remote work arrangements where appropriate
Rescheduling appointments
Use of alternative communication methods
Business continuity decisions will be based on the nature and severity of the disruption.
Communication During Emergencies
Management will coordinate communication with:
Employees
Patients
Contractors
Emergency services
Regulatory bodies where required
Information provided during emergencies should be accurate, timely, and appropriate to the circumstances.
Recovery and Review
Following an emergency or disaster, management may:
Review the response undertaken
Identify lessons learned
Assess impacts on people and services
Implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives where appropriate.
Update policies, procedures, or training where appropriate
Significant events may also be reviewed through the organisation's incident management processes.
Training and Preparedness
Personnel will receive information, instruction, or training relevant to emergency preparedness and response.
Training may include:
Emergency procedures
Evacuation processes
Incident reporting
Infection prevention and control
Business continuity arrangements
Responsibilities
Management
Management is responsible for:
Maintaining emergency preparedness arrangements;
Coordinating emergency responses;
Supporting communication during emergencies;
Managing recovery activities;
Reviewing emergency events and lessons learned.
Employees and Other Personnel
Personnel are responsible for:
Following emergency instructions;
Participating in training where required;
Reporting emergencies and safety concerns;
Supporting the safety of patients, colleagues, and visitors.