Consultation
In addition to a standard obstetric and gynaecological history and examination, a detailed history of patients’ respiratory symptoms, travel, and contact history are obtained. A dedicated team of ID physicians are readily available for phone consultation at all times. Patients deemed to be at low risk after review by the isolation doctor are transferred to general wards. The workflow has been regularly updated based on the evolving evidence on the condition.
We implemented protocols for isolated patients requiring formal imaging. When needed, portable chest radiographs were performed by radiographers in enhanced PPE within the isolation area. When these patients required formal ultrasound scans, they were transferred to the radiology department after alerting the relevant personnel in advance. The scan would then be performed by the radiologist in enhanced PPE in a dedicated isolation room.
We ensured that standard of care was not compromised for patients seen in isolation with modifications to our workflow and protocols in the UOGC. High risk treatment procedures such as nebulisation[8] were administered in an alternative form with a metered-dose inhaler. Where this is not possible, nebulisation was administered in an isolation room in PAPR.