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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Haven of Hope Hospital (HHH) made the following announcement today (January 14):
An 88-year-old female patient in a geriatric and rehabilitation ward was confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on January 11. In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened patients who had contact with the index patient. Twelve more female patients (aged from 63 to 91) have been confirmed as VRE carriers, but without clinical symptoms. Among the 13 cases, 11 patients are still hospitalised under medical surveillance and are in a stable condition. The remaining two patients have been discharged.
The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
1. VRE positive patients are cohorted;
2. Stringent contact precautions have been applied, including use of dedicated clinical equipment for VRE carriers;
3. Enhanced hand hygiene;
4. Enhanced attention to contamination-prone procedures; and
5. Enhanced disinfection and cleaning of the ward concerned.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation on the ward.
Ends/Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:01
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