Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
United Christian Hospital confirms staff member has tuberculosis
****************************************************

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson of United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following announcement today (April 29) regarding a staff member confirmed with tuberculosis:

     A nurse at UCH Neonatal Intensive Care and Special Care Baby Unit attended the general practitioner starting from mid-February this year due to intermittent cough and was diagnosed with Upper Respiratory Infection. The sputum tested positive for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis yesterday (April 28). The staff is now on sick leave  and is receiving treatment.

     Following the laboratory test result, the hospital has taken prompt infection control measures and investigated the incident. Joint assessment made by microbiologists, respiratory medicine specialists and Department of Health experts in tuberculosis concluded that the risk of spreading infection is not high, taking into account that she had put on surgical mask while on duty, she took up a supervisory role and seldom had direct contact with patients and the fresh air ventilation in the ward is sufficient.

     However, as a precautionary measure, the hospital has contacted the parents of 23 babies who had close contact with the staff.  Also for safety concern, the hospital has contacted the parents of eight other babies who had not had close contact with the staff but with complicated medical conditions, mainly to explain the situation. The hospital also arranges a paediatrician to follow up and closely monitor the babies' health condition.  So far, no patients from the concerned ward have reported any symptoms of tuberculosis.

     The hospital has set up a 24-hour hotline for parents who are concerned to make enquiries, the hotline number is 5215 2255.

     UCH has reported the case to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up. Meanwhile, the hospital will enhance infection control measures and continue to closely monitor the health situation of newborns and staff of the ward.

Ends/Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Issued at HKT 20:29

NNNN

Print this page