Screening period for Hepatitis C cluster at SGH should be extended: review committee

AN independent review committee appointed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to investigate a Hepatitis C cluster at the Singapore General Hospital's (SGH) renal ward has advised that the screening period should include patients warded from July to end-September.

The committee has met 10 times since it was convened. The members, together with the international advisers, have gone on site visits and are working on epidemiology data, as well as reviewed the cases and infection control practices.

Committee chairwoman, Prof Leo Yee Sin, said: "It has been a very busy few weeks as the team went about its work to review processes, identify gaps in infection control, and analyse and interpret findings. The investigations are proceeding smoothly, and with full support from both MOH and SGH. We have had full access to information and resources requested by the Committee."

International advisers Dr Scott Holmberg and Prof Trish Perl said: "The investigation of these cases of hepatitis C at SGH is still proceeding. All potential exposures or sources that could explain this outbreak are being considered and investigated."

The international advisers, who have left Singapore, will continue to provide input to the review through emails, phone calls and video conferencing.