AFRICA: HOSPITALS TO FIGHT POSSIBLE BIRD FLU OUTBREAK
August 24, 2006 (IOL.co.za)

Hospitals in several major cities are implementing stringent infection control measures to counter a possible bird flu pandemic despite the government's assurances that South Africa is not yet home to the deadly H5N1 virus.

Nursing sisters in most of the country's private hospitals have embarked on an intensive educational campaign, while certain wards in many healthcare facilities have been earmarked as areas where bird flu victims could be treated.

Contingency plans being implemented by healthcare giant Netcare include the purchase of special protective clothing for nursing staff dealing with potential patients, the stockpiling of drugs, and staff vaccination plans.

Although procedures may vary from hospital to hospital, it is understood that specifically trained nurses would work two-hour shifts in isolation wards under layers of protective gloves and gowns.

Source