Princess Margaret Hospital makes announcement on interruption of negative pressure system in isolation ward

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital made the following announcement today (April 12) concerning the interruption of the negative pressure system in the isolation ward of the Infectious Disease Centre (IDC):
 
     At 9.15am today, the negative pressure system of some cubicles of the isolation ward on the ninth floor in the IDC was interrupted due to the malfunctioning of an exhaust fan caused by faulty electromechanical components. The system immediately automatically turned on the standby exhaust fan. After an inspection by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), the negative pressure system of the cubicles concerned resumed as normal at 9.25am.
 
     During the incident, there were four COVID-19 patients residing in the affected isolation cubicles. No personnel had entered or left the rooms nor had any high risk procedure been performed. All ward staff wore appropriate personal protective equipment. According to the hospital's assessment, the risk of infection is very low.
     
     The hospital is very concerned about the incident. The incident has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System. The hospital has urged the EMSD to conduct an investigation to prevent similar incidents from happening again.