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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson of New Territories West Cluster (NTWC) announced a case of suspected food poisoning today (November 23):
A group of in-patients from Siu Lam Hospital (SLH) and Castle Peak Hospital (CPH) has presented with diarrhea symptom since early hours today (November 23). The Infection Control Team of the NTWC launched an investigation immediately. As at this afternoon, a total of 59 patients were concerned, including 34 male and 25 female (aged from 18 to 88 years old). All patients are now in stable condition.
The catering service for in-patients and staff canteen at SLH and CPH are provided by a central kitchen managed by an outside vendor and the meals are disseminated directly to patients at wards. The central kitchen has also provided catering service to other hospitals of NTWC (including Tuen Mun Hospital and Pok Oi Hospital) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, while these three hospitals have not received any reported case of suspected food poisoning.
NTWC has reported the suspected food poisoning case to the Hospital Authority Head Office, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) for necessary investigation and follow up.
According to existing practice, the hospital Infection Control Team conducts regular inspection of the central kitchen, the last one was done on November 14. The central kitchen concerned has already suspended from operation to facilitate the investigation of CHP and FEHD. Catering service would be provided by other kitchens to ensure normal meal supply for in-patients.
NTWC expressed sincere apology to the concerned patients and their families. A hotline service (2468 6922) is set up for enquiries from patients' family, which will operate from now till 10pm tonight and from 9am to 5pm tomorrow.
Admission to the concerned wards has been suspended and restricted visiting has also been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All patients in the concerned wards are under close surveillance.
Ends/Friday, November 23, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:35
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