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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 18):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 460 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 108 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 1,748 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 32 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among them, 26 cases are in stable condition, two in serious and four in critical condition.
The condition of the 23-year-old female patient at Prince of Wales Hospital has changed from serious to critical and she now requires intubation and ventilatory support.
Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included a female nurse of Prince of Wales Hospital. She is under Tamiflu treatment and isolation at home, with stable condition.
Ends/Saturday, July 18, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:23
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