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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) made the following announcement today (May 26) on a tuberculosis patient case:
An expectant mother stayed in the obstetrics ward of TMH from March 24 to March 31 and received a Caesarean delivery operation. She has since developed respiratory symptoms and was diagnosed to be suffering from tuberculosis in a private hospital last Thursday (May 21).
TMH was informed of the case by the private hospital and the Department of Health. TMH has taken immediate action in accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines and traced nine newborn babies who stayed in the same cubicle with the patient during hospitalisation. The woman was asymptomatic during her stay in the TMH obstetrics ward. After thorough assessment by the Infection Control Team, the risk of infection within the hospital is low. However, the TMH has decided to arrange necessary examination for the concerned nine newborn babies as a precautious measure.
A Patient Relations Officer will contact the parents of the nine babies concerned to explain the situation and render necessary support. TMH has set up an enquiry hotline for concerned parents. The hotline number is 2468 6197.
TMH has reported the case to the Hospital Authority Head Office and will closely monitor the health condition of the babies. The health condition of the patient concerned and her baby are now being followed up by the Centre for Health Protection.
Ends/Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:38
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