TTSH's Heightening of Infection Control Practices Ward Visitor Advisory

In view of the recent cases of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in the Singapore General Hospital (SGH), Tan Tock Seng Hospital is heightening its infection control practices:

	Patients who have a history of admission to SGH from 1 March 2005 are being isolated and screened for VRE
	Ward visitors are required to observe the visiting hours: 12.00pm to 2.00pm and 5.00pm to 8.00pm
	Patients in general wards may have up to two (2) visitors at any one time
	Patients in high-risk wards such as ICU (intensive care unit) and isolation rooms will be allowed one (1) visitor at any one time
	Children under 12 years of age are discouraged from visiting patients
	Visitors feeling unwell are discouraged from visiting patients

As VRE is usually found in stools and spread by hand contact, we would like to remind patients to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after toilet use. Visitors are also advised to wash their hands thoroughly after visiting a patient.

Patients and public are reminded to maintain good personal hygiene and practices especially in the hospital setting.

There is no cause for concern for members of the public as there has not been any reported cases of VRE outside hospitals.