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Transparent approach to reporting superbug cases

Regarding the report, "Doctor slams slow reaction to superbug outbreak" (August 26), I would like to assure your readers that public hospitals have a well-established reporting mechanism made specifically for vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) cases.

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Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where VRE cases were found in the past few months. Photo: May Tse
Regarding the report, "Doctor slams slow reaction to superbug outbreak" (August 26), I would like to assure your readers that public hospitals have a well-established reporting mechanism made specifically for vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) cases.

While it is true that statistics revealed a surge in the prevalence of VRE in public hospitals, this will by no means undermine the commitment nor the effectiveness of our infection control measures to cope with the increased workload.

We are also more determined than ever to solidify a transparent and accountable approach in regard to the reporting of VRE cases through the current protocol.

Let me explain our protocol. Should an outbreak be identified, a hospital outbreak control team meeting will be immediately held.

Colleagues from the Centre for Health Protection will join in to assist in reviewing the adequacy of infection control measures and identify any gap for improvement.

Hospitals should then proceed to delivering VRE isolates to the public health laboratory service branch of the centre for genotyping.

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