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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) today (December 4) announced that the lead level in one of the water samples collected in a child and adolescent psychiatric day centre of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital (AHNH) among the water samples collected from its paediatric wards and milk kitchen had exceeded the acceptable level set out in the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The HA spokesman said, "From September to November this year, HA had tested the lead level in water at wards with long stay paediatric patients under the age of six in 11 specific public hospitals in accordance with the risk assessment criteria. A total of 110 samples had been tested and the range of results was from 0.1 to 4.37 mcg/L, which were all within the standard set out by WHO."
"Following the procedures advised by the Water Supplies Department, a total of 17 water samples were collected in the paediatric wards and milk kitchen of AHNH on December 2. The lead level of a sample taken from a water boiler in a child and adolescent psychiatric day centre was tested at 15.95mcg/L, which exceeded the suggested level of less than 10mcg/L by WHO. The remaining 16 samples were within the standard," the spokesman remarked.
"The boiler concerned was installed in 2012 and was not frequently used. Basing on risk assessment criteria, HA has gradually started to replace the water boilers in public hospitals a few months ago. The boiler concerned in AHNH has already been suspended from use since September and replaced by a distilled water dispenser. HA is highly concerned about the incident. The boiler was removed and replaced earlier today by an accredited one with international certification. Meanwhile, water filters are going to be installed for the water point at the day centre."
The spokesman pointed out that there are three adolescent patients, all above the age of six, currently attending the day centre on a daily basis, while one pregnant and two lactating staff are working there. All of them are supplied with distilled water. A hotline 2689 2168 will be set up by the child and adolescent psychiatric day centre for enquiry of concerned patients. AHNH has started to communicate with patients of the day centre and their carers and also inform the staff to explain the test results. Necessary support and follow-up examination basing on clinical need would be provided.
"HA will continue to arrange water tests in other public hospitals according to schedule. Water filters have been procured and ready for installation in hospital premises if the lead levels in water samples are again tested to be above the acceptable level."
Ends/Friday, December 4, 2015
Issued at HKT 20:12
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