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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital made the following announcement today (September 12):
A 76-year-old male discharged patient of a medical ward in Princess Margaret Hospital was confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on September 10. In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened and found two more male patients (aged 75 and 87) confirmed to be asymmetric carriers of VRE in the same cubicle. They have been transferred to isolation ward for further monitoring and treatment. They are in stable condition.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection. The hospital has stepped up the infection control measures according to established guidelines and is closely monitoring patients' health.
The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward:
1. VRE positive patients are cohorted in the Infectious Disease Centre;
2. Stringent contact precautions have been applied, including use of dedicated clinical equipment for VRE carriers;
3. Enhanced hand hygiene;
4. Enhanced attention to contamination-prone procedures; and
5. Enhanced disinfection and cleansing of the ward concerned.
Ends/Thursday, September 12, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:00
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