Full-scale active shooter exercise to be staged at North Country Hospital this Friday

NEWPORT — North Country Hospital will hold a full-scale, emergency training exercise on Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at North Country Primary Care Newport on the North Country Hospital Campus.

The public is being reminded that this is only a test.

There will be significant law enforcement, fire and emergency service present during the exercise.

In order to avoid any confusion, the public is being notified ahead of time.

The exercise is closed to the general public.

If you have an appointment at North Country Hospital or at another NCH Practice, please feel free to keep that appointment, but be aware that the drill is taking place and that there may be emergency vehicles and staff on site as part of the exercise.

The exercise will focus on emergency response to an active shooter incident on the North Country Hospital campus and is being staged by North Country Hospital’s Emergency Preparedness department, in collaboration with local, state and federal emergency responders.

It will involve a simulation of the hospital’s Emergency Operations plan and procedures and will help assure a coordinated, timely and effective response and recovery in the event of a major incident at the hospital or in the community.

North Country Hospital has demonstrated over the years that they are committed to being prepared for the unforeseen. In recent years, they have performed other full-scale exercises to test their ability to respond to catastrophic incidents in the community.

“As a community hospital, we are committed to keeping our patients and staff safe,” said William Perket, VP of Human Resources at North Country Hospital. “This exercise, as well as the planning and updates to the security infrastructure here at the hospital, is part of that commitment.”

In recent years, North Country Hospital has worked closely with local, state and federal agencies to develop and plan for any and all scenarios.

During the exercise, they will be temporarily closing the North Country Primary Care practice in Newport to patients between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m.

During this time, if you have an emergency or are in need of medical treatment, please call 911 or report to the Emergency Room.

If you have an urgent medical question you can contact North Country Hospital at 334-7331, to reach the NC Primary Care Provider on call.

If you have an appointment at North Country Hospital or at an NCH Practice, please keep that appointment but be aware that the drill is taking place.