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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 23):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 617 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 116 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 2,207 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 35 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among them, 27 cases are in stable condition, two in serious and six in critical condition.
The newly confirmed critical case announced today was a 37-year-old female patient of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH). She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of TMH on 21 July due to fever and flu symptoms, and was admitted to the isolation ward. The patient was transferred to Intensive Care Unit yesterday due to deterioration in condition, and medication treatment of Tamiflu and antibiotics was started. The patient now requires intubation and ventilatory support. The hospital will continue to closely monitor her condition.
Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included a female clerk of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and a male staff at HA Head Office. Both are under Tamiflu treatment and isolation at home, with stable condition.
Ends/Thursday, July 23, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:04
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