The MDH SARS Triage / Screening / Holding Area

The MDH SARS Triage/Screening/Holding Area was constructed as part of the preparations to respond to the challenge of SARS.

It is a room with four walls, one wall having a see-through glass panel facing the ER proper, chairs, intercom, and a toilet located near the entrance of the MDH Emergency Room. It has a ventilatory system that minimizes contamination as well as ultraviolet lights for decontamination.

It is unique in the sense that it is constructed with features that effectively and efficiently prevent contamination of the MDH ER and its staff from SARS.

Patients consulting at the MDH ER are initially screened by the security guard at the entrance of the ER.

If a patient is a possible SARS, because of fever, respiratory symptoms, and travel, the guard directs him first to the room. Through an intercom and through the see-through glass panel, interaction between the patient and the ER staff takes place.

If the patient is not a SARS suspect, he is ushered into the ER proper.

If the patient is a SARS suspect, he stays in the room. He is given all the advices he needs for a referral to a DOH SARS Center. In the room too, he awaits assistance for conduction to a DOH SARS Center.

If there is a need for an ER staff to go into the room to manage a SARS suspect patient, the staff wears personal protective equipment prior to entering the room.

After a SARS suspect has vacated the room, immediate decontamination is done.