************************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) made the following announcement today (April 26):
A 49-year-old female patient in a medical ward of PYNEH was confirmed to be infected with Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) on April 23. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened other patients who had contact with the index patient. Two more female patients (aged 71 and 89) were confirmed to be VRE carriers. The patients are now under medical surveillance and are in isolation with stable condition.
The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
1. Disinfection and cleansing of the ward concerned have been enhanced;
2. Stringent contact precautions have been applied, including dedicated use of clinical items for the VRE carriers and enhanced hand hygiene;
3. All VRE carriers are under medical surveillance in isolation rooms; and
4. Restricted discharge from the ward has been imposed.
The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the wards. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Friday, April 26, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:40
NNNN
