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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) and the confirmed human swine influenza (HSI) patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (July 16):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 507 patients.
The HA spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs have ceased the provision of general outpatient services. Patients with other illnesses are advised to seek medical treatment at other general outpatient clinics in the district or private practitioners. Chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the eight DFCs should proceed to their corresponding clinics with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and bring along the appointment slip and Identity Card.
As at 2.30pm today, there were 85 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 1,552 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 23 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among them, 18 cases are in stable condition, three in serious and two in critical condition.
The confirmed cases announced today included four public hospital staff members. These included a female nurse of cardiac care unit and a female technical services assistant of United Christian Hospital, a male medical ward manager of Yan Chai Hospital, and a female Consultant in anaesthesia of Queen Mary Hospital. All of them are under tamiflu treatment and isolation at home. Their condition is stable.
Furthermore, the newly confirmed cases announced today included two patients who are in serious condition and one in critical condition. They are as follows:
- A 23-year-old female patient was transferred from Union Hospital to Prince of Wales Hospital on 15 July. The patient is now under tamiflu and antibiotics treatment in intensive care unit. She is in serious condition.
- A 53-year-old female patient attended Tuen Mun Hospital today (July 16). The patient is now under tamiflu and antibiotics treatment in isolation ward. She is in serious condition.
- A 48-year-old female patient attended Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 15. The patient is now under tamiflu treatment and requires intubation and ventilatory support in intensive care unit. She is in critical condition.
Ends/Thursday, July 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 22:33
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