During the recent devastating flood in Iowa, Qwest (
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Alert) Communications’ technology solutions was able to keep Cedar Rapids-based Mercy Medical Center’s critical network infrastructure intact, and essential communications and data access operational.
On June 13, Mercy’s fundamental Qwest network hardware was in danger of submersion under flood waters, but Qwest technicians were on site to quickly help hospital administrators move essential network communications equipment out of harm’s way.
For the hospital’s 20-location network, Mercy uses Qwest iQ Networking services to connect voice and data communications.
“Communications services are crucial, and as we were evacuating the hospital and transferring patients, Qwest’s technology and employees kept us connected,” said Jeff Cash, vice president and chief information officer at Mercy Medical Center.
“As one of the largest hospitals serving Eastern Iowa, our first priority is to preserve the safety of our patients, provide access to their vital hospital records, and maintain communications with critical emergency service providers. It quickly became clear that as our network provider, Qwest shared our priorities,” added Cash.
Qwest advanced technology – and the rapid deployment of technicians on the ground to assist with relocation – helped all of Mercy’s facilities maintain communications and access to vital databases during the evacuation of the main hospital. Patient care proceeded with minimal interruption and contact was maintained with patients’ families, emergency personnel and city officials.
“Qwest technicians worked around the clock to keep Qwest’s business and residential customer operations intact using world-class solutions and good, old-fashioned teamwork,” said Max Phillips, Qwest state president for Iowa. “It’s our goal to anticipate as well as meet our customers’ needs, and this is a great example of our efforts to do more than is expected.”
Throughout the disaster, Qwest services have been maintained with only isolated outages. Qwest continues to offer Call Forwarding to customers in Iowa impacted by the flooding. With Call Forwarding, customers can have calls automatically forwarded to another phone number. Qwest customers who have been impacted can call 1 800-573-1311 to set up Call Forwarding free of monthly charges.
Michelle Robart is a Contributing Editor at TMCnet. To read more of her articles please visit her columnist page.
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