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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding the services of the 18 designated clinics and the seven special assessment centres, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson provided the following updates today (September 24):
Today (as at 5pm), the 18 designated clinics have provided initial assessments to 2,379 patients. Patients who required further assessment and treatment have been referred to the special assessment centres. The seven assessment centres attended to a total of 422 patients today.
The designated clinics and assessment centres will operate as long as there is a demand for the service, hence, parents do not need to rush to obtain an early appointment if their children are asymptomatic.
The HA reiterates that the free screening service is a contingency arrangement with its prime focus on local children who have "entitled person" status. Other patients will be referred to private healthcare providers in order to reserve adequate capacity for locals.
Ends/Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:17
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