I got a voice mail from Tina this morning reporting that all power, including backups, and connectivity has gone down on campus. Dr. Thompson and Adriana are ok, but only had their phones. They are probably trying to preserve their batteries.
I am unable to log on to UTMB webmail, and the main UTMB page is not coming up at all. I do know that there was a team sent by UTMB leadership to Arlington in case communications went down on campus, so I am hopeful that over the next few hours I.S. is successful at either restoring communications or switching them to come through Arlington.
I’ll repeat my plea for check ins — if you haven’t heard from your supervisor by noon, please check in. More news to come.
-Julia
While this is not an “official” Family Medicine broadcast, I wanted to post an update for anyone who hasn’t been checking their email today.
It looks like email , at least so far, is how we’re getting most of our information from our on-campus essentials. Drs. Thompson, Simmons-Melendez, and Uzowulu are our “on-campus” folks. I believe Obi was staying at Dr. Thompson’s house (which is only a few blocks away on the harbor), while Dr. Thompson and Donna were bunking down at the hospital.
We do have several other folks from the department riding out the storm on the island. Becky, Judy, and Cassi are all still on the island (this may not be everyone, but it is everyone I know.)
I am guessing that much more information will be available early tomorrow as the sun rises and we can see again. If you don’t hear from your supervisor tomorrow, please check in with them.
Please be patient tomorrow and Sunday as we assess the situation and begin making plans. I am guessing that as soon as we have a plan we will send out a broadcast, post it here, and activate the phone tree to let everyone know what is going on.
Please stay safe. And again, if you need information or need to report anything and cannot reach your supervisor, please call or email me and I will help you out.
Julia Essex
All,
I understand that UTMB went to emergency status as of 7am this morning. All non-essential employees will be dismissed from Family Medicine and its clinics as soon as we are packed and the last patient seen.
At this time clinic staff should be contacting all patients with Thursday appointments (anytime) to cancel. We will need to see those patients we could not reach to cancel, and then pack the clinics as soon as possible.
Providers should take their white coat, badge and stethoscope with them as they evacuate, so you are ready to help see patients without returning to the PCP. We should be prepared to come back and assist the community after the storm.
Essentials with questions should contact Dr. Thompson. If anyone has any questions, you may contact me.
Please stay safe.
Julia Essex