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In response to media enquiries on the report of the Investigation Panel on the Dental Unit Incident of the University of Hong Kong, the spokesperson for the Department of Health responded today (December 5) as follows:
"The Basic Protocol - Infection Control Guidelines for the Dental Service, Department of Health (DH) (2009) (Basic Protocol) is intended to protect all dental health care personnel and patients within the setting of the Dental Service of DH. The Basic Protocol has taken reference from various international infection control guidelines, including the most up-to-date version from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It has been made available at the infection control corner of the website of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH for information sharing with health professionals. As clearly depicted in the Introduction of the Basic Protocol, the rationale of its recommendations must be understood and suitable adjustments be carried out to fit different scenarios in other clinical practices outside the Dental Service of DH, since they may have different set up characteristics. In other words, it provides a foundation framework for dental professionals and clinics in developing their own practice guidelines suitable for their respective situations.
"Prevention of transmission of blood-borne diseases in health care settings, including dental clinics, is achieved through proper adherence to infection control measures laid down by each institution, based on the principles of standard precautions.
"In accordance with the Basic Protocol, the staff in the Dental Service are required to make sure proper sterilisation process has been performed and the results are documented. Regular audits on the compliance with the Basic Protocol are also performed to make sure that they comply with the guidelines.
"The DH would continue to review its infection control guidelines from time to time to keep abreast of the scientific developments."
Ends/Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:54
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