Are we exporting problems or solutions? A model for Transitional Field Hospitals in Natural Disasters

Abstract

Natural disaster and conflict scenarios present challenging environments for healthcare treatment. In remote or underdeveloped areas where already scant healthcare services exist, this need is exacerbated - particularly when much existing healthcare infrastructure is destroyed by the disaster. Field Hospitals have been traditionally viewed as an attractive proposition, both in their efficiency of delivering a ‘package’ solutions of tools and infrastructure, as well as their tangibility to donors wanting to provide visible solutions. However, they have sometimes been hastily deployed with little regard for contextual factors and a lack of transition strategy to support long-term recovery. This thesis investigates the transitional role of Field Hospitals, drawing lessons learnt from transitional shelter guidelines along with best practice principles current in Field Hospital literature. The 2010 Haiti Earthquake has been used as a case study to analyse both how Field Hospitals were used, how well they responded to the context and the gap between their withdrawal and more permanent facilities opening. Further data was collected through interviews with key actors involved in Haiti across a range of different disciplines. The key findings were that there needs to be greater emphasis placed on the design and operation of semi-permanent health facilities (Transitional Field Hospitals) that can bridge the gap between initial relief and long-term recovery, responding to contextual factors and empowering locals to take back control.