American Baptist's Assist with SARS prevention efforts in Hong Kong...

30 April 2003

The SARS outbreak in Hong Kong hopefully is now under control.  The risk to the general population has always been low and this is becoming more and more clear.  The real problem is in the medical community where medical staff continue to face the difficult task of treating those who are already infected and trying to keep themselves from becoming infected.  Each day more and more medical workers are exposed to SARS.  While the hospitals that are treating SARS patients keep them isolated and have worked hard to provide protection for their front line staff, the secondary hospitals in the community face a very uncertain risk.  People that do not suspect they are infected often go to these secondary hospitals and workers risk being exposed to SARS because they do not have adequate protection.  This is exactly how the current SARS outbreak began in late February.  The risk is difficult to determine.  So actually the staff of secondary hospitals are at greater risk.

Another consequence of SARS in the secondary hospitals is that families are now unable to visit their sick loved ones because all hospitals have limited visiting hours to minimize the risk of spreading SARS. Older people and those with chronic conditions who often have extended hospital stays are becoming more and more isolated from their families.

American Baptistís have a long-term relationship with one of the secondary hospitals in Hong Kong . Haven of Hope Hospital is a former TB sanatorium and now primarily serves elderly patients and patients with chronic illnesses in the Tseung Kwan O (formerly called JUNK BAY ) area of Hong Kong .

In response to the SARS problem in Hong Kong , One Great Hour of Sharing funds are being sent to Haven of Hope to help them in this difficult time. The funds will be used to purchase protective clothing and equipment for the hospital staff and their community nursing staff who make visits in the community. Also the grant will provide for a SARS "Love Packet" to be given to all patients when they are discharged from the hospital. The "Love Packet" contains surgical masks, liquid hand soap and bags for the disposal of used masks. This will help patients protect themselves better from SARS. The funds will also assist the hospital to pay for the additional administrative support needed to make sure the hospital is adequately prepared for this crisis.

Haven of Hope has a long history of serving those members of the community that are most vulnerable and will continue this service with the help of the One Great Hour of Sharing Relief Funds. These funds are a very tangible gift of support to Hong Kong in this difficult time. THANK YOU!!!

HOME