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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 patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (September 2):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 1,062 patients with flu-like symptoms.
As at 2.30pm today, there were 321 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 12,456 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 104 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among them, 86 cases are in stable condition, seven in serious and 11 in critical condition.
There are four newly confirmed critical cases announced today, including a 71-year-old male patient of Princess Margaret Hospital (hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus), a 48-year-old male patient of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus), a 72-year-old female patient of Tseung Kwan O Hospital (asthma and Diabetes Mellitus) and a 67-year-old male patient of United Christian Hospital (chronic airway disease). They developed influenza symptoms between August 27 to 30. The test results for human swine influenza were confirmed between September 1 to 2 and they were prescribed with Tamiflu. Their condition deteriorated and are currently on ventilation support. They are now in critical condition.
Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included 15 staff members of public hospitals (five male and 10 female, including two doctors, six nurses, two allied health professionals, one administrative staff and four supporting staff). So far there were 395 HA staff members being confirmed as human swine influenza. Among them, 272 have already recovered and returned to work.
The HA spokesman reminded the public that HA has progressively resumed service for chronic patients with scheduled appointment at the eight designated flu clinics (DFC). Chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the DFCs should go to the clinics according to their date of original appointment, bringing along the appointment slip and Identity Card. Other general outpatient services such as episodic disease, injection and wound care will not be resumed at these DFCs for the time being. Patients with other illnesses are advised to seek medical treatment at other general outpatient clinics in the district or private practitioners.
Ends/Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:57
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