********************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health will tomorrow (January 10) conduct an interdepartmental exercise to assess contingency plans relating to the activation and running of designated clinics.
Under the framework of the HKSAR Government's Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic, designated clinics will be set up, as necessary, to triage patients with influenza-like illness at the primary care level when the Serious Response Level is activated by a confirmed human case of avian influenza, a CHP spokesman said.
Ground movement including triage and provision of medical treatment to patients, and transfer of the serious cases to hospitals, will take place at the Shau Kei Wan Jockey Club Clinic where a designated clinic would be activated.
The spokesman added that the exercise could identify areas for improvement and enhance the ability of frontline staff to handle major outbreaks of infectious disease.
More than 200 participants from six organisations will take part in the exercise. Thirteen experts from the Mainland and Macau will attend as observers.
Ends/Friday, January 9, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:02
NNNN
