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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) made the following announcement today (July 28):
Three male patients (aged 70 to 95) admitted to rehabilitation and infirmary ward of Lai King Building were confirmed to have colonisation of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) on July 27 and July 28 and are asymptomatic. The patients have been transferred to the isolation ward of Hospital Authority Infectious Disease Centre (HAIDC) for further treatment and observation. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital will conduct further screening and follow up.
There are clinical guidelines in public hospitals to ensure proper use of antibiotics, including Vancomycin, and management of VRE carriers. The hospital has stepped up the infection control measures according to established guidelines and is closely monitoring patients' health. Admission to the ward and visiting arrangement are remained normal.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up.
Ends/Saturday, July 28, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:40
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