PubMed · 15782813
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Amanda Spake. 2005-03-14. Bioterrorism. It was unbelievable.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15782813/
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OBJECTIVE: To assess the preparedness of emergency departments (EDs) in the United Kingdom (UK) for the management of potential biological incidents. METHODS: We telephoned all hospitals in the UK listed as having a major ED. We surveyed their ED facilities and procedures for managing patients with infectious diseases. We determined how many of the EDs had an isolation room available and, if present, whether this had an independent ventilation system and separate access from outside the ED. In addition, we determined how many of the EDs would isolate patients with suspected cases of chickenpox, tuberculosis (TB), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and other suspicious infections. RESULTS: We obtained complete data from 203 (79%) of the 257 hospitals approached. Only 49 (24%) of these hospitals had isolation facilities available in the ED. Of these 49 EDs, 30 (61%) reported an independent ventilation system and 18 (37%) reported a separate access from outside the ED. The majority of EDs would isolate patients with potential infectious diseases, however, 47 (23%) would not isolate patients with suspected chickenpox, 37 (18%) EDS would not isolate patients with suspected TB, 12 (6%) EDS would not isolate patients with suspected SARS and 55 (27%) EDS would not isolate patients with other suspicious infections. CONCLUSION: EDs in the UK are not prepared for emerging biological threats and bioterrorism. With current facilities and procedures it is highly likely that an infectious agent will spread to staff and other patients in any future biological incident.
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OBJECTIVES: Following the events of 11 September 2001 in New York, planning for the deliberate release of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents has intensified in the UK, with Department of Health recommendations for National Health Service and public health action. A consequence of this was to assess preparedness across the West Midlands region of England for mounting an effective response to a deliberate release of a biological agent. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: West Midlands, UK. This work involved key organizations and entailed obtaining information from those responsible for and likely to be involved in managing incidents via questionnaire surveys based around preparedness and planning arrangements. RESULTS: Findings revealed that plans delineating action to take during an incident do exist. However, staff training (40%) in acute trusts and testing of plans in primary care trusts (45%) could be improved. Communication arrangements in hospitals require support. CONCLUSION: Work is ongoing but there is more to do. Trusts should provide staff training and engage in exercises to test plans and communication arrangements.