Frontline hospitals are at the forefront of all travel-related, emerging and reemerging infectious diseases and special pathogens. Yet, the readiness of frontline hospitals and their ability to identify, isolate, and inform on Ebola and other special pathogens is uncertain. This article addresses the resources necessary to support screening for Ebola and other special pathogens and presents the decision-making algorithm for the transport of patients with high-consequence infectious diseases within the New York City Health + Hospitals integrated healthcare delivery network, which includes 10 frontline hospitals and the Region 2 Ebola and Other Special Pathogen Treatment Center.
Keywords: Biodefense funding; Frontline hospitals; Hospital preparedness/response; Infectious diseases; Special pathogens.