************************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) and the confirmed human swine influenza patients admitted to public hospitals, a Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (June 30):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provided treatment to a total of 271 patients.
The Hospital Authority spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs had ceased the provision of general outpatient services. Patients with other illnesses are advised to seek medical treatment at other general outpatient clinics in the district or private practitioners. Chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the eight DFCs should proceed to their corresponding clinics with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and take the appointment slip and Identity Card.
As at 2.30pm today, there were 59 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 785 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of six confirmed cases are still staying in public hospitals for treatment. Their condition is stable and none required intensive care.
A female Clinical Services Assistant in Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospital (RHTSK) was among the new confirmed cases announced by the Centre of Health Protection (CHP) today. She developed flu symptoms on June 27 and attended the Accident & Emergency Department of RHTSK the same day. She was prescribed with paracetamol and granted sick leave. CHP confirmed the case yesterday (June 29). She is now taking sick leave to rest at home. One of her family members was found to be infected by human swine influenza earlier.
She works in a medical ward of RHTSK and has been following strictly the HA Infection Control Guidelines for patient care. She wears a surgical mask when she is on duty. Up to the present moment, no patient or other staff member was found to be infected by human swine influenza. The hospital will continue to follow the HA Infection Control Guidelines and implement relevant hygiene measures to protect patients and staff.
Ends/Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:58
NNNN
