W. S. LAM
Abstract
An episode of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) attacked Hong Kong in early March this year. The Care and Attention Home (C & A Home) I am working implemented a number of preventive measures to prevent the spread of the infection. All visitors were subjected to body temperature checking, disinfection of hands with alcohol and wearing surgical masks on entering the Home. The staffs were required to declare any contact with suspected SARS clients and current health status since SARS outbreak. To protect the clients of the Home, we discouraged visiting during the outbreak and visitors were required to report their health status by completing a questionnaire. Our prime goal is to minimize the chance of cross infection in the Home. With the guidelines provided by Hospital Authority, the Home set up an Observation Unit to confine clients for 10-14 days immediately following hospital discharge. All clients returning from hospitals will be arranged to this Unit for confinement before resuming normal living activities in the Home.
Key words: Care & attention home, Personal protective equipment, SARS