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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson of the United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following announcement today (July 16):
A 43-year-old female patient admitted to the renal ward at UCH earlier due to peritonitis and septic shock is confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on July 12. The patient is under treatment and isolation, and is in serious condition. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened patients who had contact with the index patient. Six other male patients (aged from 44 to 70) have been confirmed to be VRE carriers, all without clinical symptoms. Three of the patients are still hospitalised under medical surveillance and isolation with stable condition. The remaining three patients have been discharged.
The experts of UCH and CHP met today to review the patient cases. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
1. Disinfection and cleansing of the ward concerned have been enhanced;
2. Stringent contact precautions have been applied, including dedicated use of clinical items to VRE carriers and enhanced hand hygiene;
3. All VRE carriers are under medical surveillance in isolation rooms; and
4. Restricted visiting to the ward concerned is imposed.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) for necessary follow up. UCH will continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward.
Ends/Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:52
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