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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 (August 1):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 681 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 231 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 3,904 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 52 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among them, 47 cases are in stable condition (including a 59-year-old male patient of Kowloon Hospital, who was reported earlier in serious condition), one in serious and four in critical condition.
The newly confirmed critical case announced today was a 45-year-old female patient of Pamela Youde Nethersole Hospital (PYNEH). She had symptoms onset since July 26, presented with fever, sore throat and short of breath, she attended the Accident and Emergency Department of PYNEH on July 31, and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, and medication treatment of Tamiflu and antibiotics was started. The patient now requires intubation and ventilatory support.
Furthermore, the newly confirmed cases announced today including five public hospital staff members - four female nurses of Pamela Youde Nethersole Hospital and Tung Wah Eastern Hospital; a female supporting staff of Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospital. Except two female nurses of Pamela Youde Nethersole Hospital, others are prescribed with Tamiflu. They are now under isolation at home, all in stable condition.
Ends/Saturday, August 1, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:57
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