A drill to reinforce collaboration and familiarise staff with contingency measures in the emergency transfer of patients with infectious disease has been conducted smoothly. It simulated a scenario where a suspected avian flu patient had to be transferred to another hospital.

The contingency plan was activated by the Baptist Hospital with Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Fire Services Department immediately responding, making transfer arrangements via ambulance and preparing an isolation bed. Upon the patient's arrival at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, an escort team in protective gear led the ambulance crew with the patient directly to the isolation ward.

About 50 staff participated in the drill, with Centre for Health Protection officers observing. A debriefing session was held to review communication flow and the response plan.