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.
 

District   Name of Clinic Telephone number for booking General enquiry
Hong Kong Island
 
Shau Kei Wan Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic 3157 0077 2560 0211
Violet Peel General Out-patient Clinic 3157 0000 3553 3116
Aberdeen Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic 3543 5011 2555 0381
Kowloon Kwun Tong Community Health Centre 3157 0687 2389 0331
Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital Family Medicine Clinic 3157 0118 2354 2267
Robert Black General Out-patient Clinic
(Holiday clinic service is now provided at Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital Family Medicine Clinic due to renovation works currently undertaking)
3157 0113 2383 3311
Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic 3157 0880 2272 2400
New Territories Lady Trench General Out-patient Clinic 3157 0107 2614 4789
Lek Yuen General Out-patient Clinic 3157 0972 2692 8730
Shek Wu Hui Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic 3157 0965 2670 0211
Tai Po Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic 3157 0906 2664 2039
Tuen Mun Clinic 3543 0886 2452 9111
Yuen Long Jockey Club Health Centre 3543 5007 2443 8511

Consultation Hours:
9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm