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HA Chairman visits A&E departments and inpatient wards to better understand service situation during flu surge (with photos)
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hospital Authority (HA) Chairman, Professor John Leong, paid a visit to the medical and paediatric wards and accident and emergency (A&E) departments of Tuen Mun Hospital, Pok Oi Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital yesterday (July 14) to hear from frontline staff about the latest service situation and manpower arrangements during summer flu surge, and express gratitude for their hard work and dedication during the peak service period.
 
     Professor Leong said that the summer influenza season had arrived earlier this year with numerous severe cases. This contributed to the continued surge in demand of inpatient admissions and the high occupancy rates of medical and paediatric wards in public hospitals.
 
     Professor Leong expressed his appreciation to the healthcare staff for their unceasing service during the peak service period. The HA will continue to implement the enhanced measures for the winter surge, including opening new beds and increasing manpower through the Special Honorarium Scheme. He said he believed that over 360 resident trainees joined different public hospitals on July 1 and could share the workload of frontline colleagues.
 
     It is anticipated that the heavy demand will continue amid the prevailing high level of local influenza activity. Professor Leong appealed to the public for their understanding for the recent high inpatients occupancy rate in public hospitals, meaning that patient might have to wait longer for consultation at A&E departments or admission to wards. Stable patients are urged to co-operate with clinical staff regarding transfer to rehabilitation hospitals to improve the patient flow.
 
     Professor Leong reminded the public to observe strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene to help revent respiratory diseases. Members of the public, especially the elderly and children, are advised to receive the influenza vaccination promptly.
 
Ends/Saturday, July 15, 2017
Issued at HKT 13:00
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Photo

The Hospital Authority Chairman, Professor John Leong (left), yesterday (July 14) talks to frontline staff at Tuen Mun Hospital to better understand the service situation of the Accident and Emergency Department.
The Hospital Authority Chairman, Professor John Leong (second left), yesterday (July 14) visits the Medical Ward at Pok Oi Hospital.
The Hospital Authority Chairman, Professor John Leong (left), yesterday (July 14) visits the Medical Ward of Prince of Wales Hospital.