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Entergy committed to safety, emergency planning

There has been recent criticism of Indian Point-operator Entergy’s commitment to public safety. This statement provides a different point of view about Entergy’s dedicated partnership and sense of responsibility to public health and safety.

Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Cortlandt Manor (HVHC) has the unique responsibility of being the first responder to provide medical care in case of a medical emergency at Indian Point because of the hospital’s proximity to the plant (2.5 miles). The center has conducted medical drills with the Entergy Medical Management Team for several decades.

As director of emergency services at HVHC, I oversee the coordination of the emergency medical drills with Entergy throughout the year. In fact, the entire emergency department staff at HVHC contributes to this effort, participating in special training in treating potentially contaminated patients and conducting “real life” exercises.

Drills are conducted in the most professional manner and are held under the scrutiny of an NRC observer, who provides critiques and opportunities for improvement after each drill. Safety drills can take many forms, from evacuation drills to medical emergency drills.

These simulations are a priority of Indian Point, which works hard to make these as perfect as possible.

In our experience, Entergy demonstrates year after year its commitment to safety and emergency planning and takes every step to prepare the medical community to respond to potential emergencies. After all, drills are the best way to test plans and take corrective action when necessary. That’s the whole idea.

Our emergency department staff participates as partners in these efforts, and highly values the opportunity provided by Entergy to gain valuable experience. It is my sincere belief that Entergy puts patients’ and residents’ safety first. I support their relentless efforts to keep our residents safe and their staff well-prepared.

Dr. Ron Nutovits

director, emergency department

Hudson Valley Hospital Center

Cortlandt Manor

 

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