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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson said today (March 19) that following the confirmation of a case of HIV infection of a public hospital healthcare worker, HA is now awaiting the assessment and decision of the expert group under the Department of Health regarding the need for follow-up action for patients and staff. Pending further instructions from the expert group, HA will provide a telephone enquiry service to address the concern and doubts of some patients towards the incident. Patients can call the telephone number 2996 2222 which will be manned daily from 9am to 5pm, for answering related queries and providing follow-up as required.
HA also understands the concern of public hospital staff and an internal telephone enquiry service is being set up.
HA reiterated that standard precaution has been practised in public hospitals to safeguard staff and patients from the risk of infection and transmission of infectious diseases. Hence, the impact of the incident was considered to be low according to the initial assessment made earlier by public hospital experts.
Ends/Monday, March 19, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:49
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