Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 23.5
Ventilation improvement works (Phase 4): Low level exhaust and back-up window-type exhaust fans in a 6-bed cubicle
in a general medical ward.
directions and minimize air turbulence and mixing.
Additional HEPA filters were installed at return
air grilles to allow air re-circulation in wards with
lower infection risks. In the last phase (Phase 5),
local source control with adjustable and remov-
able exhaust hoods were installed at both sides of
hospital beds (Figure 23.6). Standby exhaust fans
were also installed to automatically take over the
function of duty fans in case the latter failed.
23.5.2 Staff Deployment and Service
Re-organization
The department's Duty Committee devised a staff
redeployment plan in case the outbreak should
become extended in time and scale. Pregnant HCW
were re-deployed to non-SARS wards. Annual and
study leaves were cancelled. With further assis-
tance from the FMT, staff quarters and overnight
rooms were offered to HCW of cohort wards
should they wish to avoid infecting their fami-
lies. Doctors, nurses, and supporting staff of other
departments were deployed to work in non-SARS
medical wards. These were still serving 75% of
the usual number of patients since PYNEH was
designated by HAHO to support another hospital
which had been overwhelmed by the sudden
influx of SARS patients from its community (the
“Amoy Garden cohort”) [19]. All non-emergency
investigations, procedures and operations in the
hospital were stopped. Specialist outpatient clinics,
geriatrics day hospital and clinical admission
services were reduced. Inter-departmental consul-
tations were stopped unless the conditions were
urgent.
23.5.3 Communication Within the
Department of Medicine
Both formal and informal channels for staff
communication were actively utilized. The COS
held meetings with the department 2-3 times
Figure 23.6
Ventilation improvement works (Phase 5): Low
level exhaust with local source control device with adjustable
and removable hood installed at either side of the head of the
bed (only the left side is shown).
