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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 (HSI) patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (July 14):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 420 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 62 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 1,389 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 11 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among them, 10 cases are in stable condition and one in critical condition.
Among the confirmed cases, there are four public hospital staff:
- A nurse working in neurosurgical ward of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) suffered from flu symptoms on 6 July 2009 after overseas travel. She attended the Central Kowloon Health Centre Designated Flu Clinic on 9 July 2009 and was granted sick leave on the same day. Positive result of HSI was confirmed today(14 July). She is now under isolation with paracetamol prescription at home. Her condition is stable.
- A female nurse of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) returned from overseas on 11 July 2009, with symptoms of fever, sore throat, dry cough and running nose. She attended the Designated Flu Clinic at Fanling on 12 July 2009 and was granted sick leave. Positive result of HSI was confirmed on 13 July 2009. She is now under isolation with tamiflu prescription at home. Her condition is stable. The nurse had worn a surgical mask on the flight and has not resumed duty since her leave.
- A female general services assistant of Tuen Mun Hospital developed flu symptoms on 8 July 2009. She attended Tuen Mun Hospital Staff Clinic and took sick leave on 9 July 2009. Paracetamol prescription was given. She attended Accident and Emergency Department of Pok Oi Hospital on 12 July 2009 and positive result of HSI was confirmed today(14 July). In view of her chronic illness, she is now under isolation treatment with tamiflu prescription at the isolation ward in Tuen Mun Hospital. Her condition is stable.
- A workman of Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital (OLMH) developed flu symptoms on 12 July 2009. He attended the Central Kowloon Health Centre Designated Flu Clinic on 13 July 2009 and was granted sick leave on the same day. Positive result of HSI was confirmed today. He is now under isolation with tamiflu prescription at home. His condition is stable.
The abovementioned staff members have been following strictly the HA Infection Control Guidelines for patient care. All of them wear surgical mask when they are on duty and practicing hand hygiene during their clinical duty. The hospitals will continue to follow the HA Infection Control Guidelines and implement relevant hygiene measures to protect patients and staff.
Ends/Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:02
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