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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) made the following announcement today (June 27):
A 63-year-old male patient of a surgical ward of PYNEH was confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on June 18. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, screening of contacts was performed. Five more in-patients (four male and one female, aged 43 to 78) were confirmed as VRE carriers but without clinical symptoms. One of the patients had passed away due to underlying illness while another four have been discharged. The remaining patient is still hospitalised under medical surveillance and 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; and
(2) Stringent contact precautions have been applied, including dedicated use of clinical items for the VRE carriers and enhanced hand hygiene.
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/Thursday, June 27, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:26
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