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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Hong Kong Eye Hospital (HKEH) made the following announcement today (October 26):
In the past six months, the HKEH has detected an increase in the incidence of post intraocular surgery endophthalmitis according to ongoing hospital surveillance. The latest infection rate is 0.15 per cent compared with the baseline rate ranging from 0.01 per cent to 0.11 per cent in the past seven years. Six out-patients (four male and two female, age 57-83) have been reported with an infection of endophthalmitis since April this year. Appropriate treatment has been given and medical follow up has been arranged.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up. The hospital infection control team, departments concerned and experts of the Centre for Health Protection have met to review the cases. The procedures and potential risk have been thoroughly discussed.
Investigation has been conducted by the Infection Control Team of Kowloon Central Cluster. All operation procedural workflow, facilities and environment were been checked. It was decided to reinforce the following infection control measures:
1. Doctors to ensure patient has satisfactory lid hygiene before surgery.
2. Doctors change in practice of surgical draping by no touch technique.
3. Urge patients to take eyedrops or drugs in compliance with the guidelines for their administration before surgery.
4. Remind patients that eye pads or eye shields should remain in position as instructed.
The Infection Control Team of the Kowloon Central Cluster will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Ends/Friday, October 26, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:09
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