Authors (including presenting author) :
Mak WH(1), Tam ML(1), Lee LN(1), Wong SL(1), Lee SW(1), Yeung WK(1), Lo KL(1), Li SY(1), Yan CK(1), Shit KY(1), Chui ST(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital
Introduction :
Early February, the 5th wave of Covid-19 infection was seriously affected the whole healthcare system in HK. The rising trend of people being infected, that adding enormous pressure to all public hospitals. Department of Surgery, PWH demonstrated an initiative to support hospital without hesitation. We felt uneasy seeing those old and fragile patients suspected to have Covid-19 infection to stay outside AED under cold weather. We absorbed patients irrespective to their specialties.
Objectives :
1. To minimize access block at AED 2. To support hospital to receive Covid-19 patients 3. To sustain manpower and keep staff morale
Methodology :
1. Staff were psychologically prepared for crisis management 2. Site visits were conducted by ICNs for setting up designated gown up and down areas 3. Staff’s medical fitness / vaccination status were taken into consideration before deployment. 4. Relocated High Dependency Unit to Ward 8B 5. Conversion of Ward 8C / Ward 8A / Ward 7L to Surveillance / COVID / Tier II Ward on 10 Feb / 01 Mar / 08 Mar / 24 Mar 6. Converted one general to surveillance cubicle in Ward 7B (NS), 7C (CTS), 7LM (Paed SUR) on 02 Feb for admission screening 7. Converted Surgical Ambulatory Care Centre to 24-hrs service on 10 Mar 8. APNs of Wound Care / Colorectal / Metabolic & Bariatric Service were deployed to wards 9. Logistics and patient flow were subject to change on daily basis.
Result & Outcome :
Evaluation: Followed HAHO, elective services and operations were deferred. 17 beds of AIIR were all occupied with patients of different specialties, single bed to twin beds AIIR and double beds to triple beds AIIR. There were 194 and 173 COVID-patients admitted to Ward 8A (8-28 Mar) and Ward 8C (2 Mar to 2 Apr) under Surgical and Medical Stream and 83 COVID-patients admitted to Ward 7L (24 Mar to 20 Apr) under Paediatric, Surgical and Medical Stream. Outcome: We had to fight for the battle from 10 February to 20 April 2022. There were a large number of nurses, supporting and clerical staff confirmed COVID-19 infection or absent due to quarantined. Staff deployment to HKICC and AWE all added stress to frontline staff. Because of our strong belief, we overcome every challenges to combat COVID-19 infection with appreciation received from patients and relatives for our love and caring. Staff contributions during crisis was deeply appreciated by hospital management without reservation.
