************************************************************
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 (24 September):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 1,774 patients with flu-like symptoms.
As at 2.30pm today, there were 783 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 24,681 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 189 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among them, 171 cases are in stable condition, seven in serious and 11 in critical condition.
The newly confirmed critical case announced today is a 66 year-old male patient with diabetes mellitus, hypertension of Yan Chai Hospital (YCH). He developed upper respiratory symptoms on 21 September 2009. The patient attended the Accident and Emergency Department of YCH and was admitted for medical treatment. His condition deteriorated and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on 23 September 2009 (yesterday). He is prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics and is on ventilation support. Positive result of HSI was confirmed today (24 September 2009). The hospital is closely monitoring his condition. The patient is now in critical condition.
Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included 16 staff members of public hospitals (four male and 12 female, including two doctors, four nurses, two allied health professionals, three clerks and five supporting staff). So far there were 680 HA staff members being confirmed as human swine influenza. Among them, 537 have already recovered and returned to work.
The HA spokesman reminded the public that HA has progressively resumed service for chronic patients with scheduled appointment at the eight designated flu clinics (DFC). Chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the DFCs should go to the clinics according to their date of original appointment, bringing along the appointment slip and Identity Card. Other general outpatient services such as episodic disease, injection and wound care will not be resumed at these DFCs for the time being. Patients with other illnesses are advised to seek medical treatment at other general outpatient clinics in the district or private practitioners.
Ends/Thursday, September 24, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:40
NNNN
