Tin Shui Wai Hospital announces a patient tested preliminarily positive to COVID-19
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Regarding a patient tested preliminarily positive to COVID-19, the spokesperson for Tin Shui Wai Hospital (TSWH) made the following announcement today (August 24):
An 84-year-old female patient presented shortness of breath yesterday (August 23) evening and an ambulance was called by her family member to send her to hospital. The oxygen level in blood of the patient was low and high flow oxygen was needed to support her. Her condition was critical. Upon arrival at the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) at TSWH and following initial assessment of infectious risk, the medical staff arranged to admit the patient into one of the resuscitation rooms for resuscitation and intubation to assist her breathing.
After transferring to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), different tests were arranged for the patient and the preliminary result of COVID-19 was found positive. The patient is now hospitalised in the ICU of Tuen Mun Hospital with critical condition.
TSWH conducted contact tracing after learning that the patient was tested preliminarily positive to COVID-19. Four staff members of AED including one doctor, two nurses and one patient care assistant had not worn appropriate personal protection equipment for the high risk procedure for the patient, and thus being classified as close contacts. They will be quarantined in quarantine centre for 14 days. As a precautionary measure, five other staff members who have been in contact with this patient, will undergo medical surveillance for 28 days. They have to measure body temperature every day and conduct COVID-19 tests with specimen. The resuscitation room which the patient had stayed was at positive pressure setting. After reviewing the record, it was confirmed that no patient nor staff member was staying outside therefore no one was listed as close contact.
Thorough cleansing and disinfection had been carried out in the resuscitation room concerned. The TSWH will closely monitor the health of staff. There are three resuscitation rooms at TSWH AED. Two of them are set as positive pressure while the remaining one is under negative pressure. TSWH will review the assessment process and the arrangement on the choice of resuscitation room. Staff members are reminded again on the importance of full compliance with the guidelines on appropriate personal protective equipment during resuscitations even if the situation is urgent.
Ends/Monday, August 24, 2020
Issued at HKT 22:01
Issued at HKT 22:01
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