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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 9):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 337 patients.
The HA spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs have ceased providing general outpatient services. Patients with other illnesses are advised to seek medical treatment at other general outpatient clinics in the district or with private practitioners. Chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the eight DFCs should proceed to the corresponding clinics with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and bring along their appointment slip and identity card.
In the 24 hours to 2.30pm today, there were 57 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza. This brings to 1,112 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, eight confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. All patients are in stable condition and none require intensive care. The condition of the 76-year-old male patient at Prince of Wales Hospital has improved from serious to stable.
Among the newly confirmed cases is a nurse of Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital. She had flu symptoms on July 7 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital. She is now under isolation and Tamiflu prescription at home. Her condition is stable.
She works in the medical ward and has been on leave since she completed night duty in the evening of July 3. She followed the HA Infection Control Guidelines for patient care and wore surgical mask when she was on duty.
Ends/Thursday, July 9, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:36
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