Thursday, December 22, 2011

Avian influenza epidemic forced a shortage of manpower explosion of public hospital

Avian influenza epidemic forced a shortage of manpower explosion of public hospital
 2011-12-23



HA Cluster Service Director Cheung Wai-lun (right) and New Territories East Cluster Clinical Services Co-ordinator Dr Beatrice Cheng said measures have been developed to meet winter demand for services.  Hong Kong Wenhui newspaper reporters Zeng Qing and Wei She
Hong Kong Wen Wei Po (Reporter Luo Jingwen) or bird flu outbreak may be, and the current flu season is, with the shortage of "triple attack."  Hong Kong Hospital Authority refers to the current average occupancy rate in public hospitals up to 95%, some even more congestion has occurred, is expected to be in Hong Kong from January to February next year entered the peak period of influenza, the public hospital "explosive force" the situation is more severe , coupled with avian influenza or may hit Hong Kong, so that the Board must mobilize the already strained staff resources to address some potential non-emergency medical services adjourned. To this end, the Authority will adopt contingency measures, including grants to encourage employees to cancel vacation to work overtime. Currently, the New Territories East Cluster has 550 staff response.

  Hospital Authority Director (Cluster Services) Cheung Wai-lun said after the board meeting yesterday, the first half of this month, the government and the private doctor-patient cases, there is 40 per 1000 of influenza, the situation is normal, not yet entered the influenza the peak.  But with the cold weather and holidays, expected next year in January to February in Hong Kong will enter the peak period of influenza, the public demand for hospital services will increase significantly, with reference to January to February, A & E and medical admissions demand for hospital ward was about 10% higher than normal.
  Strengthen the experiments to identify variants of the virus
Recent series have birds tested with the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus, so HA worse.  Cheung Wai-lun said that to identify the bird flu, H1N1 flu and general flu, authorities have stepped up laboratory services, in order to confirm the virus within 24 hours, further diversion and drug treatment. He also said the average hospital occupancy rate is currently 95%, some congestion has occurred, expected next year, January to February in New Territories East and New Territories West Cluster will face greater pressure.
The face of predictable surge in demand, but the overall shortage of HA, HA announced emergency measures, including strengthening the monitoring of accident and emergency attendances, treatment services provided to nursing home to enhance HIV testing services, expanded day care speed up patient discharge, additional beds and special grants to encourage employees to work as usual vacation.
Cheung Wai-lun admitted during the influenza season, or will affect the non-emergency services, but such as cancer and emergency cardiac surgery will not be affected.

 Nei Kejia the next three months, 10% of beds
  New Territories East Cluster Clinical Services Co-ordinator Dr Beatrice Cheng said that when the weather continued cold, flu numbers rise and into the long holidays, increased demand for public hospital services, the network now has 26 doctors, 375 nurses and 149 support staff willing to the next three months, in the special allowance of overtime work, and will open 10% of the beds in Nei Kejia.  She admitted, non-emergency medical services will be affected, patients should wait longer to qualify for services.

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