HA to operate holiday clinics on day following Mid-autumn Festival and urges public to stay vigilant during the festival

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

　　The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson reminds the members of the public today (September 21) that 12 general out-patient clinics (see table below) under HA will continue to provide services on the holiday following the Mid-autumn Festival next Tuesday (September 25).  Patients requiring medical consultation could make advance booking for an appointment through the telephone system as usual.  Furthermore, an Accident & Emergency (A&E) doctor of public hospital urges the public to stay vigilance during the festival to prevent accidents, particularly not to play with burning wax and handle glow sticks carefully to prevent accidental ingest chemicals or splash into eyes.

      According to the HA spokesperson, to help find the appropriate family medicine doctor and related clinic service of their choice, public are welcome to call the HA Infoline (2882 4866) for information on holiday general out-patient clinic service. They can also browse the Primary Care Directory of Department of Health at www.pcdirectory.gov.hk, or download the mobile App of Primary Care Directory.

　　With the approach of the Mid-autumn Festival, HA consultant emergency physician Dr Lau Chu-leung advises the public that burning wax is a very dangerous activity.  It will cause burn injuries with permanent scars.  In severe cases, the mobility of limbs may also be affected. The temperature of hot wax is even higher than that of boiling water. It will possibly lead to third-degree (severe level) burns.  Patients with third-degree burns will have their dermis and skin nerves seriously damaged and the wound will not be able to heal by itself.  These patients will require a prolonged management and treatment.

　　"In case of accidental burns, patients are advised to take some simple first-aid measures, such as rinsing the wound gently with clean water or to wrap the wound with clean gauze or plastic wrap to minimise the risk of infection." Dr Lau added.

　　Furthermore, glow sticks are frequently used in festival for fun. Dr Lau reminds the public to handle glow sticks carefully and avoid overbending it.  The chemicals in a broken glow stick may splash into eyes, causing injury to the cornea and impair vision. Parents should prevent children from ingesting the chemicals of glow sticks accidentally. The chemicals can cause irritation and pain to the mouth, and dizziness in extreme circumstances.

　　"Anyone accidentally splash the chemicals in the eyes should rinse with clean water for 10 to 15 minutes immediately and seek medical consultation nearby. People should dispose the glow sticks properly after the festival as glow sticks will wear out and more easily break on bending." said Dr Lau.
 

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