In Hong Kong, the importance of infection prevention and control was recognized indubitably after an outbreak of MRSA with 6 neonatal deaths in 1985. The same year, 24 infection control nurses were deployed full-time and the first formal training was initiated. In 1989, HKICNA was inaugurated with 44 members and advisers. How HKICNA developed from a very small establishment to have significant impacts on the healthcare professionals in Hong Kong are as follows :
In the first 10 years, infection control awareness continued to grow steadily to >200 members. Initially the association focused on local meetings to promote and enhance the knowledge in infection control. From 1999 onwards HKICNA had ambitions to expand academically to start training course in 1999, publish biannual HKICNA newsletter in 2002.
2003 was a defining moment for infection control in Hong Kong because of the SARS outbreak. Training was in great demand. In 2003-2004, ten infection control classes with about 2500 nurses and doctors trained from local, Macau and China. In that year alone, members grew to 1400 and HKICNA gained enough seed money to organize an International Conference as a platform for exchange of scientific information and experience.
Since conception in 1989, we have flourished to a reputable academic nursing association in Hong Kong. Now HKICNA is providing Training course, Newsletters, International Conference, Research grant award, scholarship and sponsorships, Community program in promoting hand hygiene ,website.
Looking back, how amazing a small establishment of a nursing association can instigate such impressive impact professionally.