Singapore — The Institute of Mental Health announced on Monday (Oct 25) that a Covid-19 infection cluster has emerged at the hospital, with 116 people infected.
Of the confirmed Covid cases, 108 are inpatients and 8 are staff from both inpatient and outpatient settings.
However, IMH assured the public in its statement that its operations remain unaffected.
According to IMH, the infected patients are mostly from hospital blocks 4, 5 and 6. At the moment, no admissions are permitted to these wards.
A majority of those infected are long-stay patients and are asymptomatic or only have a mild illness. If any of the infected patients need medical treatment at acute hospitals, they will be transferred.
Surveillance tests were able to detect some of the Covid cases. Others were discovered when patients showed respiratory symptoms.
IMH added that the patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 are separated and receive care in dedicated wards.
Patients who are fit for discharge will be allowed to go home after testing negative for Covid.
“Notwithstanding the COVID-19 cases, IMH will continue to provide good psychiatric care while ensuring the safety of our patients. The other wards in IMH, and clinical services such as its Outpatient Specialist Clinics, are unaffected and continue to admit/see patients,” IMH’s statement said.
IMH added that strict surveillance and infection control measures for visitors, patients, and staff have been put in place since the pandemic began.
Hospital staff who deal with patients regularly undergo testing. Patients for admission are swabbed before being admitted and are tested during their stay at the hospital. They are also subjected to additional safety measures, including getting their temperatures checked twice a day.
Acute, long-stay inpatients and outpatients at IMH are also offered vaccinations.
“To date, more than 90% of the long-stay patients have been vaccinated. Booster vaccination for long-stay patients are also underway,” IMH added.
The last time there was a Covid cluster at IMH was in late August.
However, during that time, only six cases were initially discovered. The cluster comprised of four patients from two adjoining wards, a staff nurse, and a health attendant.
The two wards were closed, with no admissions, visits, and discharges suspended temporarily. /TISG
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