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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, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (July 2):
The eight DFCs today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 332 patients.
The HA spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs have 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 bring along the appointment slip and Identity Card.
As at 2.30pm today, there were 29 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 857 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of three confirmed cases are still staying in public hospitals for treatment. Their condition are stable and none required intensive care.
Among the confirmed cases was a nurse of Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital (HKBH). She attended the DFC at Kowloon Bay Health Centre on June 30 due to influenza like symptoms. Human swine influenza result was confirmed positive on July 1. She is now under isolation and Tamiflu prescription at home. Her condition is stable.
The nurse works in the Palliative Care Ward in which a Clinical Services Assistant was confirmed to be infected by human swine influenza on June 25. Both of them had been working together on June 20 and 21. She followed the HA Infection Control Guidelines for patient care and wore surgical mask when she was on duty.
Another confirmed case is a General Services Assistant of United Christian Hospital. She had symptoms onset since June 29, presented with cough, headache and fever. She attended Kowloon Central DFC on July 1. Human swine influenza result is confirmed positive today. She is now under isolation and Tamiflu prescription at home. Her condition is stable. Human swine influenza result of one of her family members is also confirmed to be positive today.
The General Services Assistant works in the Central Sterile Supply Department and Theatre Sterile Supply Unit. She wore surgical masks during the symptom onset and she has no direct patient contact.
Ends/Thursday, July 2, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:46
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