Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) establishment of a strong infection control structure across the hospitals and community awareness since the beginning of the pandemic have helped in responding to new waves and variants, said a senior official.
Infection Control Department at HMC has focused on reducing the risk of COVID-19 spreading within hospitals and health centers to protect patients and healthcare staff, as well as raising awareness among Qatar’s population of how to reduce the risk of catching the virus outside of healthcare settings, according to Dr. Jamila Al Ajmi, Executive Director of the Infection Control Department at HMC.
“HMC has already established a foundation on how to prepare for and respond to any future wave with new variant, and staff became expert on handling such situations,” she told The Peninsula.
Replying to a question about community response in containing the third wave Dr. Al Ajmi said: “From the previous waves, we have noticed that the whole community became aware and oriented about the measures they must follow which helped to contain the virus during this wave.”
She also said that the COVID-19 pandemic has showed the world how important it is to have a robust, responsive and equitable health care system with effective administrators and managers to lead it.
Infection Control Department at HMC has initiated preventive measures during very early stages of pandemic when cluster of pneumonia cases were identified in Wuhan.
“We have updated the Infection Prevention and Control policies and protocols by using the reference from CDC in the US and World Health Organisation to prevent from catching this virus such as applying proper triaging tool for early detection, isolation and management. We have developed map to protect our staff from exposures to COVID-19,” Dr. Al Ajmi.
Infection Control Department at HMC has also set up COVID-19 facilities, training staff, creating public awareness during all stages of the pandemic, and evaluating COVID-19 products including masks, gloves and hand sanitisers.
“Our top priorities were to create safe working environment for staff. So, they can provide care for patients without any fear. As you know Qatar was one of the countries who succeeded to procure and distribute COVID-19 vaccines for the community and health care workers,” Dr. Al Ajmi.
“Also, we kept tracking any staff exposed to COVID-19 cases at work or community providing them guidance, ensuring that they receive proper management in order to keep them in a safe zone,” she added.
To support staff during pandemic, HMC has provided services for staff family by testing them pre and post travel to facilitate smooth and easy travel.
In advice to the public, Dr. Al Ajmi said, “Get vaccinated with booster dose, practice hand hygiene, wear mask, maintain social distancing, avoid gathering, practice cough etiquette and stay home when feeling sick.
“It is very important for the public to get relevant information from the right sources such as HMC and MoPH websites to avoid unnecessary panic from wrong information published on social media,” she added.