UF Health St. Johns to Temporarily Modify Hospital Access and Services in Preparation for Hurricane Ian

St. Augustine, Fla. September 22, 2022 – UF Health St. Johnshas a comprehensive hurricane plan in place, designed to provide the safest possible environment for patients and team members during and after Hurricane Ian. The health system continues to monitor storm projections closely and is taking all necessary precautions from a supply, staffing and facilities perspective to ensure preparedness. The hospital has ample resources in place to sustain current operations and the facility is fully functional.

St. Augustine-based UF Health Flagler Hospital will limit hospital access, beginning at 8 p.m. today, September 28, receiving only patients seeking emergency care or labor and delivery services via the emergency care center entrance.

All visitors will have to leave the hospital no later than 8 p.m. for their own safety. A dedicated team will be proactively calling the families of admitted patients twice per day throughout the storm to provide updates on their loved one.

Please do not attempt to seek shelter at the hospital. For county emergency and shelter information, please refer to the resources available from the St. Johns County Department of Emergency Management.

Additionally, outpatient surgeries and elective procedures on Thursday and Friday will be rescheduled. All UF Health St. JohnsAmbulatory Enterprise locations and satellite offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, reopening on Monday, Oct. 3. If you had a surgery, procedure, or appointment scheduled during that timeframe, you will be contacted to reschedule. Please have patience with our registration staff while they work through those calls. For a comprehensive list of closures, please visit flaglerhealth.org/weather.

UF Health St. Johns is working in close cooperation with the St. Johns County Department of Emergency Management. Below are some tips to remember:

1. Persons in poor health and those who live alone should make plans in advance for how they will respond if power outages or other issues occur. Serious consideration should be given to evacuation or seeking refuge at a special needs shelter until the weather stabilizes.
2. Women expecting babies should contact their physicians regarding what they should do.
3. Please do not seek shelter at the hospital during or after a tropical storm or hurricane.
4. Listen to local television and radio updates regarding the availability of all essential services, including the hospital’s emergency department.