Implementation of a High-Level Isolation Unit Readiness Checklist in the Irish Setting

Area of Science:

• Infectious Disease Control
• Public Health Preparedness
• Healthcare Infrastructure Management

Background:

• High-level isolation units (HLIUs) are critical for managing high-consequence infectious diseases.
• Maintaining HLIU readiness during periods of inactivity presents significant challenges.
• Effective operational readiness is paramount for timely response to public health emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a checklist approach for assessing and ensuring high-level isolation unit readiness.
• To adapt and implement an activation readiness checklist in the Irish healthcare setting.
• To inform recommendations for new HLIU construction based on readiness audit findings.

Main Methods:

• Developed a checklist assessing HLIU readiness across infrastructure, human resources, and material supplies.
• Adapted a checklist from The Johns Hopkins Hospital biocontainment unit for the Irish context.
• Implemented the audit tool at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Ireland's isolation facility.

Main Results:

• The checklist audit tool was found to be user-friendly and practical.
• The audit focused on essential elements for safe and rapid HLIU activation.
• Results informed recommendations for a new HLIU scheduled to open in 2025.

Conclusions:

• A structured checklist approach effectively assesses and enhances HLIU readiness.
• The adapted audit tool provides a practical method for ensuring operational preparedness.
• This methodology supports the development of robust biocontainment facilities for future health threats.