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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following announcement today (October 8):
An 87-year-old female patient admitted to a geriatric ward earlier was confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on October 5. In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, screening of contacts has been performed. Eight other female patients (aged 60 to 97) have been confirmed to be VRE carriers without clinical symptoms. Five of the patients are still hospitalised at UCH under medical surveillance and isolation with stable condition. The remaining four patients have been discharged.
Medical experts from UCH and the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) met today to review the situation. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted :
1. Cleansing and disinfection of the ward have been enhanced;
2. Stringent contact precautions have been implemented, dedicated use of clinical items to VRE carriers and enhanced hand hygiene; and
3. Restricted visiting to the ward concerned has been imposed.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and CHP for necessary follow up. UCH will continue to closely monitor the situation on the ward.
Ends/Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:20
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