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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) today (September 22) announced the establishment of 18 Designated Clinics and seven Special Assessment Centres (including the one already set up at Princess Margaret Hospital) (List of clinics and centres attached) to safeguard the health of local children as well as addressing the concern of parents. The clinics and centres will commence operation tomorrow (September 23).
The HA spokesman said the 18 Designated Clinics will provide free assessment to eligible persons under the age of 12 who have consumed concerned milk products and have relevant symptoms. If necessary, patients will be referred to the Special Assessment Centres in the seven hospital clusters for further assessment and treatment. Non-eligible Persons (NEPs) will be charged at the prevailing fees for NEPs.
The 18 clinics will operate from 9:00am to 5:00pm every Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
"While the initial opening hours have covered weekends and public holidays for the convenience of parents, there is a limited service quota at every designated clinic. Priority will be given to patients with urgent needs, especially younger and high-risk children, to ensure appropriate assessment and treatment as early as possible."
The 18 clinics would be able to handle the assessment of around 5,600 patients every week, with each designated clinic having 50 service quotas on every weekday and 30 for each weekend and holiday session.
"The opening hours and service quotas are subject to review depending on service demand in the coming few days. The HA will try to maintain the normal operation of other hospital and clinic services but would like to appeal for public understanding should there is any impact on other services due to the current contingency arrangement," the spokesman remarked.
Ends/Monday, September 22, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:09
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