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A seminar was held today (April 18) to update healthcare professionals on common infectious diseases and infection control issues in residential care homes for the elderly (RCHE).
The seminar - on Infection Control Stewardship Programme in RCHE - was organised by the Infection Control Branch, Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) and the Infectious Disease Control Training Centre of the Hospital Authority.
Addressing the seminar, the Controller of CHP, Dr Thomas Tsang, highlighted the importance of infection control in stopping the transmission of communicable diseases and protecting the health of residents in RCHEs.
"People in RCHEs are generally frail and prone to infection and complications. Prevention of communicable diseases in RCHEs is crucial.
"RCHEs are required to assign a healthcare worker as infection control officer to oversee infection control practices in the homes.
"Measures have been taken to monitor infectious disease outbreaks in RCHEs. Regular training courses are organised to equip staff with the skills and knowledge of infection control in RCHEs," Dr Tsang said.
A two-year pilot infection control stewardship programme was rolled out in January this year with a view to reducing healthcare-associated infections in RCHEs.
"Through regular outreach visits, we will assist RCHEs in implementing a structured infection control programme by giving tailor-made and evidence-based infection control advice.
"Regular surveillance and compliance data will be collected to guide our recommendations on measures to prevent outbreaks and spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms in these institutions," Dr Tsang explained.
On challenges faced by infection control in RCHEs, he noted that these included the rapid turnover of RCHE staff, changes in the broader environment in which RCHEs are run, the threat of influenza pandemic and the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms.
Dr Tsang said a multi-sectoral approach is crucial to meet the challenges.
"There is a need for concerted action and cooperation by different government departments, key stakeholders, and health professionals to ensure RCHEs are taking appropriate measures in infection control and to protect the health of RCHE residents," he said.
Other speakers at the seminar included three overseas experts in the field, namely Professor Lona Mody and Ms Karen Hoffman from the USA; and Ms Helen Goh from Singapore.
Ends/Monday, April 18, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:45
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