Infection control precautions for SARS outbreak in a tertiary renal center in Hong Kong

Princess Margaret Hospital was the designated hospital for admitting more than 500 confirmed or suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients during the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong in 2003. The renal specialty continued to provide service, especially regular hemodialysis (HD) treatment for renal patients. There were 3 suspected SARS cases among patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, as well as 2 confirmed and 6 suspected SARS cases among HD patients, who received a total of 82 HD sessions performed in the renal unit. As little was known about the coronavirus, infection control precautions for SARS were crucial and implemented in the renal unit. The aim was to prevent an outbreak within the specialty. Special measures included: 1) infection control (SARS precaution strategy), 2) redesign of the renal ward setting, 3) screening and triage of renal patients, 4) specific measures for SARS HD patients, 5) special precautions on handling peritoneal dialysis patients, 6) patient education on SARS precautions, and 7) a stringent visiting policy. Updated information on SARS and adherence to infection control guidelines, as well as adequate personal protective equipment, were important issues for prevention of SARS infection in the delivery of care. All medical and nursing staff were vigilant in implementing precautionary measures and being on the lookout for infected patients. No healthcare providers or patients in the renal specialty acquired SARS infection as the result of hospital exposure.