The Singapore General Hospital (SGH) has apologised for an outbreak of the hepatitis C virus in one of its renal wards, which has led to 22 patients being infected with the virus.
Of the 22, four – who were also ill with other serious conditions – have since died.
At a media briefing on Tuesday (Oct 6) afternoon, the hospital said it had noted an increased frequency of hepatitis C virus infections in early June in the ward.
It prompted SGH to step up urgent checks for the virus in patients with abnormal liver function test results staying in the same ward.
Investigations into the cause of the infections are ongoing, but initial investigations have indicated that the source could be attributed to “intravenous (IV) injectable agents”.
Hepatitis C, which causes liver chronic cancer, is mainly transmitted through blood-to-blood contact associatated with IV drug use, poorly sterilised equipment and transfusions.
SGH chief executive officer Ang Chong Lye said: “We would like to apologise unreservedly for the grief, pain and anguish this has caused our patients and their families.
“Patient safety is non-negotiable. What happens to our patients is always our responsibility. We will spare no effort in reviewing our processes and examining all possible sources of infection to prevent recurrence.”
Prof Ang added that SGH is in touch with the affected patient and their families, and will “continue to provide full support and the appropriate care in managing their condition”.
All 22 patients were admitted and stayed in the newly-renovated Ward 67 between April and June this year. Ward 64A, the original renal ward, was under renovation.
They were all suffering from some form of renal disease, with the majority having undergone renal transplants.
Professor Fong Kok Yong, chairman of the SGH medical board, stressed that while there has been no conclusive evidence to what caused the infections, the hospital had taken “aggressive” steps to rectify any shortcomings detected during the ongoing investigations.
The hospital’s renal care team, including doctors and nurses, have undergone hepatitis C screening. The screening will also be extended to other doctors who covered the ward during the affected period.
Source: www.straitstimes.com
