Exploring Nosocomial COVID-19 Outbreak Dynamics in a Prominent UK Hospital: A Scholarly Discourse

In a compelling academic event that transpired on Friday, March 22, 2024, within the esteemed halls of the Faculty of Medicine at Udayana University, a profound investigation into the intricacies of nosocomial COVID-19 outbreaks unfolded. Under the auspices of the Bachelor and Master of Public Health Science Study Program, a thought-provoking guest lecture titled "Transferring Inpatients between Wards Drives Large Nosocomial COVID-19 Outbreaks, Wales, UK" was orchestrated.


The lecture hall, named after Prof. Dr. I Goesti Ngoerah Gde Ngoerah, played host to distinguished speakers, notably Ms. Rachel Merrick, a Field Epidemiology Training Programme Fellow hailing from Public Health Wales and the UK Health Security Agency. Facilitating this intellectual exchange was Dr. I Nyoman Sutarsa, MPH, PhD, who adeptly moderated the proceedings.


Commencing the discourse was Prof. Dr. I Md. Ady Wirawan, MPH., Ph.D., the Deputy Dean for Student Affairs and Information, who delivered the inaugural remarks, extending gratitude to Ms. Rachel Merrick for her invaluable insights. Prof. Wirawan emphasized the pertinence of such academic dialogues in enriching the academic journey of students at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, particularly in contextualizing the potential outbreak scenarios within hospital settings in Indonesia.
The lecture unfolded in two distinct sessions: an exhaustive presentation of pertinent material followed by an interactive discussion and question-and-answer segment. The focal point of this discourse underscored the pervasive nature of outbreaks, transcending boundaries and manifesting even within the ostensibly secure confines of healthcare institutions. It illuminated how the unforeseen can materialize in the very act of caring for patients within hospital precincts.


The audience comprised a diverse cohort, encompassing students and lecturers from both the Bachelors and Master of Public Health Science Study Program, as well as medical professionals from the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, who were physically present in the lecture hall. Furthermore, the event garnered participation from health officials and hospital representatives across Indonesia, facilitated through online platforms like YouTube. This eclectic blend of participants underscored the interdisciplinary essence of the discourse, emphasizing the interconnectedness between theoretical understanding and pragmatic application.


The significance of this intellectual interchange lies in its role as a testament to ongoing collaborative learning endeavors. Such heightened awareness serves as a catalyst for informed decision-making processes, fostering an updated comprehension of the prevailing healthcare landscape and, crucially, empowering stakeholders with the knowledge necessary to navigate and mitigate future outbreaks effectively.