Flash Flood: Crisis Management at a Regional Hospital

Abstract

This decision case gives students an opportunity to think strategically and tactically about an organization’s recovery from a crisis created by a flood.  Columbus Regional Hospital (CRH) experienced a disaster on a scale few other hospitals have survived – a flood of historic magnitude severely damaged the hospital, forcing it to close its doors for the first time in its 90-year history.  In a matter of minutes, the flooding destroyed several critical functions and systems, including the laboratory, pharmacy, information services, food services and the mechanical and electrical systems.  When all was said and done, CRH incurred more than $200 million in damages, although this figure was not known for many months.

This case could be used with either undergraduate or graduate students and can be used in a variety of courses that include content related to crisis management, change management, strategic planning, and/or intervening in organizational systems.