COVID-19 ISOLATION CENTRES

Safeguarding Elderly Patients and Healthcare Workers at Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre with IML’s IMU+ 3D-Printed Antiviral Technology

Background

The fifth wave of COVID-19 hit Hong Kong with unprecedented speed and severity. In response, the HKSAR Government mobilised all available resources, collaborating with private companies and the public to combat the epidemic. To alleviate the pressure on public hospital beds, the Government established holding centres for the elderly, transforming venues like the Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre into community isolation facilities (CIFs).

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The Social Welfare Department (SWD) announced on June 22, 2022, that the holding centres at Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre would commence operations on June 25, 2022. These centres, providing around 180 beds, primarily serve elderly COVID-19 patients from residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and persons with disabilities (RCHDs). The Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon, formed a care team to provide temporary care services, with medical support arranged by the Hospital Authority.

The Challenge

Public health facilities, especially those repurposed for emergency use, face significant challenges in maintaining hygiene standards. The Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre, originally a sports venue, required substantial modifications to serve as a care facility for elderly COVID-19 patients. Ensuring the safety of both patients and healthcare workers in such high-contact environments was paramount.

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The rapid influx of patients during the fifth wave heightened the risk of cross-contamination and infection spread. Vulnerable populations, including elderly patients with mild symptoms or those preliminarily positive for COVID-19, needed robust protection measures. Traditional cleaning methods alone were insufficient to address the continuous threat posed by surface-level pathogens in such a dynamic and high-traffic setting.

​​Our Solution

IML’s IMU+ technology provided a critical solution to these challenges. IMU+, an advanced antimicrobial agent, is capable of killing over 99% of surface-level pathogens within 20 minutes of exposure. This rapid action was essential for maintaining hygiene in the high-contact areas of the isolation facility.

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IML collaborated closely with the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society Kowloon and the Social Welfare Department to provide professional services at the Community Isolation Facility for the Elderly (CIF) located at the Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre. During the preparatory phase, IML supplied a range of anti-COVID 3D-printed devices (as shown below).

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These products were designed to enhance hygiene measures and provide continuous protection against pathogens, ensuring a safer environment for both patients and healthcare workers.

​​The Benefits

The implementation of IML’s IMU+ 3D-printed antiviral technology at the Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre had a profound impact during the fifth wave of COVID-19. By effectively eliminating the virus on high-contact surfaces, IML’s products played a crucial role in protecting thousands of elderly patients and hundreds of medical and clinical professionals. This initiative significantly reduces infection rates and safeguards public health during a critical time.

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• Enhanced Infection Control: The IMU+ embedded 3D-printed devices actively reduced surface-level pathogens, providing continuous protection for patients and staff.

• Cost-Effective Hygiene Solutions: The durable nature of the IMU+ products reduced the need for frequent replacements, lowering overall maintenance costs.

• Improved Hygiene Protocols: The smooth surface of the 3D-printed devices allowed for easier cleaning, while the IMU+ agent ensured a hygienic surface between cleaning schedules.

• Patient and Staff Safety: The continuous antimicrobial protection offered by the IMU+ products ensured a safer environment for both patients and healthcare workers, particularly in high-contact areas