12/20/2021

FEMA, National Guard Resources Arriving to Wentworth-Douglass

Members of the New Hampshire National Guard and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will begin arriving at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Wednesday to assist in both clinical and non-clinical roles. It comes as New Hampshire’s health care facilities are seeing an unprecedented volume of patients amid a COVID-19 surge.

“I hope these additional resources will provide some measure of relief to our staff, who have been a remarkable source of inspiration during these unprecedented times,” said Jeffrey Hughes, president, and CEO of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. “We’re certainly very grateful for the support from both federal and state officials.”

Twelve members of the National Guard are arriving Wednesday and will provide support in non-clinical areas of Wentworth Health Partners practices, the lab, and food and nutrition services. Their assistance will last through the end of the year and could continue into the new year as appropriate. Patients will notice the National Guard personnel will be in uniform.

Additional support from FEMA will begin Friday as five licensed paramedics will help in clinical areas. A team of leaders at Wentworth-Douglass is assessing how these FEMA resources can best support front line staff. FEMA will re-assess their assignment every two weeks.

All FEMA and National Guard staffing resources will be compliant with our vaccination policies and COVID-19 protocols.