Sarasota County
has designated Sarasota Memorial as a medical shelter for our patients
and people with special medical needs during critical emergency
situations. The state Department of Health has established additional
shelter locations for people with special needs who do not require a
hospital setting.
If you require special medical attention, please register for assistance prior to a hurricane or tropical
storm by callingSarasota County's People with Special
Needs (PSN) program at (941) 861-5000. If you have pre-registered with
the county, you will be contacted by the county for transport to the
appropriate shelter as designated by the county.
Sarasota Memorial is
NOT a community shelter. To ensure adequate facilities, staffing and
supplies for emergencies, we must reserve our rooms for patients, as
well as people with special needs who have registered for assistance
and have been assigned to Sarasota Memorial. Family members and
others will be directed to an appropriate community shelter (visit the
American Red Cross website for more information about community
shelters).
For PSNs assigned to Sarasota Memorial,
the hospital will provide:
* Sleeping
accommodations
Because our limited
number of hospital beds must be reserved for critically ill/injured
patients or patients evacuated from other hospitals, not all PSNs will
be placed in a hospital bed. A number of PSNs will be provided with
cots, stretchers or recliners. Please be prepared to bring your own
bedding.
* Food
(predetermined menu)
Sarasota Memorial is
unable to prepare special diets for PSNs. Caregivers and PSNs should
be sure to bring their own food if they have special dietary needs.
Sarasota Memorial is unable to provide:
* Medications: PSNs
should make sure to bring a supply of prescription medications
* TV or other entertainment: Not all PSN accommodations may have a
TV.
Thank you for your
patience and understanding as we get through another hurricane season.
