The Department of Health welcomes Hong Kong Baptist Hospital's acceptance of an Independent Commission of Inquiry Report into a SARS outbreak that occurred there in late April and early May. It infected 13 people and resulted in three deaths.

The hospital has provided a copy of the report to the department, which it will study in detail.

In a press release, the hospital says it will undertake to improve three areas highlighted in the report: management, infection control and communication.

The Baptist Hospital Board of Directors appointed the commission following criticisms concerning the SARS cases. The three commission members were:

* Benjamin Liu, former Justice of Appeal;

* John Woo, Professor of Surgery, University of Hong Kong; and,

* Jean Woo, Professor of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Their report provides practical suggestions to enhance the hospital's operation and administration, according to Dr Charles Cheng, Chairman of the hospital's Board of Directors. 

"The board has studied the Commission Report thoroughly and has planned corresponding hospital undertakings to fulfill our obligations to our patients, doctors, staff and the Hong Kong community at large," he added.

Management changes

The commission recommends empowering the hospital's Chief Executive Officer in the decision-making process, and giving the Board of Directors a more focused working role.

Infection control measures

In response to the report, the hospital will enhance its infection control and reporting procedures - including ensuring greater communication between the Chief Nursing Officer, nursing staff and the CEO.

The Infection Control Committee will be responsible for all treatment aspects. Plans for remodeling the ninth floor - where the outbreak occurred - are underway to include four new standard isolation rooms.

Communication to be stepped up

The hospital also plans to improve internal communicaton among doctors, nurses and healthcare workers as well as between the hospital, its patients and their families.

It will also boost external communications with the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority and universities.

The hospital's Acting CEO Prof Joseph Lee says reporting procedures have already been tightened.

"We are glad to see improvements in our management, infection control and communication," said Dr Cheng.