A team of administrative and clinical leaders at AHN St. Vincent have created a multi-point plan to prepare the hospital for the potential impact of the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8. 

“As we all know, Erie is in the path of totality for the eclipse and expects hundreds of thousands of visitors and the plan will help ensure smooth continuity of care for patients” said Dr. Chris Clark, President of AHN Saint Vincent.

The hospital’s comprehensive plans include:

  • A hospital command center will be opened at 10 a.m. on April 8 and a specialized team will work to overcome any challenges that arise to keep patient care flowing smoothly.
  • Staff schedules have been adjusted to ensure staff are able to arrive when needed.
  • Accommodations have also been made if staff need to stay later than expected.
  • Practices will be open with modified schedules and staffing.
  • The Saint Vincent Surgery Center will be closed.
  • Increased security will be in place to keep the public out of the hospital parking ramp
  • Throughout the entire weekend and on Monday, the ED will have additional staff
  • Alternative mechanisms of transportation are in place to accommodate lab and blood needs
  • Increased physician and care management coverage will be in place to appropriately discharge patients prior to Monday
  • The hospital will provide eclipse glasses to patients and staff.
  • Extra security will be provided to man the hospital owned parking ramp at 24th and Myrtle Streets so that parking spots are available for patients and staff and the public is not congregating on the roof.

Additionally, AHN is sending six paramedics along with a physician to Presque Isle State Park on the day of the eclipse. 

The hospital will have two aide stations set up, as well as one of the paramedic response trucks and the UTV to help respond to emergencies occurring in the park.