Led by Dr Faran Naru and Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite at the Australian Institute of Health Innovation, this new study has examined disaster preparedness across Australian hospitals, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

The research surveyed local hospital networks to assess readiness for events such as floods, fires, and other emergencies. While hospitals generally implement risk reduction measures, the study found that key response strategies – such as emergency evacuation planning and post-disaster triage – require further attention.

Professor Braithwaite emphasised the importance of advancing preparedness efforts: "Hospitals play a central role in disaster response, and ensuring their systems are equipped to manage large-scale emergencies is essential. Our findings highlight opportunities to strengthen hospital resilience across Australia."

Global research and policy insights

Through AIHI’s Observatory on the Future of Healthcare, researchers are investigating strategies to develop sustainable, cost-effective healthcare systems that improve health outcomes while limiting environmental impact.

This work contributes to broader discussions on healthcare sustainability led by Professor Braithwaite at leading global institutions, including:

• the United Nations (UN)
• World Health Organisation (WHO)
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).