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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 4):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 239 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 26 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 927 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of five confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Their condition are stable and none required intensive care.
Among the confirmed cases was a female nurse in Queen Mary Hospital (QMH). She developed flu symptoms on June 25 and attended the Staff Clinic of QMH on the same day. Respiratory sample of the nurse was taken for laboratory test on influenza and confirmed the positive result of human swine influenza. She is now under isolation with paracetamol prescription at home. Her condition is stable.
She works in an obstetric and gynecology ward of QMH and has been following strictly the HA Infection Control Guidelines for patient care. She wears a surgical mask when she is on duty and practicing hand hygiene during her clinical duty. QMH has traced the close contacts of the nurse including patients and staff working in the ward. Up to the present moment, no patient or other staff was found to be having upper respiratory symptoms. The hospital will continue to follow the HA Infection Control Guidelines and implement relevant hygiene measures to protect patients and staff.
Ends/Saturday, July 4, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:24
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