VISIT TO INFECTIOUS DISEASE HOSPITAL – IDH

Sanduni Dhanoddya Samarajeewa

17 August 2012

Post - 1

It is not another day of this year usually we are spending. That is the fifth day of our group went for the clerkship visit. As per the schedule we went to visit the IDH – Base Hospital, Angoda.

Before we get in to the IDH we were expecting a common hospital usually build with number of flats linked together. But the thing is even the IDH is situated in an urban setting; it is surrounded by a calm and eye-catching environment with appropriate ventilation. Not only those, the old English buildings in the IDH are gorgeous which built during the 1860's by the British. We had no idea what IDH is all about but anyway initially we were settled in a small room arranged for a lecture... 

The matron of the IDH warmly welcome us and begin with the briefing properly. She explicated the history, progress, role and the way of handling an epidemic of an infectious disease. I should say the method of she is instructing and the tremendous speaking style was able to win our heart and minds completely. She also explained that it is differ from other IDH’s due to its extra natural capability of controlling disease spread.  Those are:  

·                     It is situated in the highest place of Colombo district, elevation 41 ft from mean sea level.

·                     Upward directed air flow with proper ventilation.

·                     Wards with appropriate space and long corridors.

·                     Minimum number of patients in a ward. (6-8 patients per ward)

Earlier there were isolated rooms for chicken pox consumptive patients and their families with proper beddings, kitchen and latrine. It was called chicken pox camp. Now IDH became a Base Hospital due to transition of communicable diseases to non communicable diseases. But in an epidemic it is reserved for disease patients.

 THE UNITS IN THE IDH

·                     PCU

·                     Four medical wards.

·                     Paediatrics ward.

·                     STD.

·                     Dengue.

·                     Health education.

·                     Diabetes mellitus.

·                     Infectious disease.

CLINICS IN THE IDH

·                     Paediatric

·                     Medicine

·                     Filariasis  

·                     Hematology

Further the matron taught how to arrange a clerk room. In OPD setup suspected patients should isolated initially. It can be done by sticking posters containing symptoms of Infectious diseases. Then face masks can be given to them. Using of air conditioned rooms for clerk the patients is not recommended but properly ventilated rooms are must.

PERSONNEL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS – PPE

These equipments are issued specially for the health staff. Those should wear frequently as follows.

1. Pyjama (high neck collar, long sleeves and slightly opened back)
2. Overall
3. Polythene apron (water resistant)
4. N-95 mask
5. Eye Goggles
6. Shoe covers
7. Gloves
   
   
   
    

Note – Ambulance driver not require to wear PPE, because there is a separated driver compartment inbuilt. 

 

 There are five Universal precautions to prevent cross infections.

1. Hand wash.
2. PPE (PERSONNEL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS)
3. Sterilized and disinfected equipments.
4. Waste disposals and disinfection.
5. Environmental cleaning.

Finally we were able to victim an isolated room. Anyway the day was so different with new experience. That is a memorable visit we were ever attended actively during community medicine clerkship....