Cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases in Haven of Hope Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
 
     The spokesperson for Haven of Hope Hospital (HHH) made the following announcement today (December 20):
 
     An 86-year-old male patient in a medical rehabilitation ward of HHH was confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on December 12. In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has conducted contact tracing in the same ward. Five more patients (aged 74 to 86) in the same ward were found to be VRE carriers. All contact VRE patients are currently being treated in isolation and are in stable condition.
 
     The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward concerned:

     1. Isolation of VRE cases and application of stringent contact precautions;
     2. Enhanced environmental cleaning and disinfection; and
     3. Enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients.
 
     The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the ward concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.