Infection prevention and control lessons learned from the management of the first suspected Ebola virus disease case admitted to a New Zealand hospital
Ruth BarrattChristchurch Hospital, Private Bag 4710, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
Email: ruth.barratt@cdhb.health.nz
Healthcare Infection 20(2) 78-80 https://doi.org/10.1071/HI15006
Submitted: 21 March 2015 Accepted: 21 April 2015 Published: 19 May 2015
Journal Compilation © Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control 2015
Abstract
This report describes the infection prevention and control involvement in the care of the first suspected Ebola virus disease (EVD) case to be admitted to a New Zealand hospital. Prior planning and detailed preparations enabled a smooth admission process and ongoing patient treatment. Prepared infection prevention and control procedures ensured the public and healthcare workers were not put at risk of acquiring EVD. Further refinement of personal protective equipment is required.
References
[1] World Health Organization. Statement on the 1st meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee on the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa. WHO statement 8 August 2014; (cited 21 March 2015). Available from: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/statements/2014/ebola-20140808/en/ [verified April 2015][2] New Zealand Ministry of Health. Ebola information for health professionals. (Cited 2015 March 21). Available from: http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/ebola-updates/ebola-information-health-professionals [verified April 2015]
[3] New Zealand Government. The New Zealand Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS). 2nd ed. Wellington: Officials’ Committee for Domestic and External Security Coordination Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; 2014. Available from: http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/publications/CIMS-2nd-edition.pdf [verified April 2015]
