Public hospital Accident and Emergency Departments appeal to public to consider alternative medical services

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
 
     The Hospital Authority (HA) said today (November 19) that the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Departments of various public hospitals are currently handling a large number of casualties from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
 
     A total of around 80 casualties from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University were received by various A&E Departments this morning. The HA Major Incident Control Centre was notified by the Fire Services Department later that a large number of casualties were still at the scene. An Emergency Medical Team from the HA was then deployed to perform on-site patient triage. Around 200 casualties were subsequently sent to 12 different public hospitals for treatment, including Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, Caritas Medical Centre, Yan Chai Hospital, United Christian Hospital, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Tuen Mun Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, Ruttonjee Hospital, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and Queen Mary Hospital.  
 
     The spokesperson added that the A&E Departments are currently treating a large number of patients. Doctors will accord priority treatment to patients with critical or emergency conditions as assessed under the established triage system, while semi-urgent and non-urgent patients might have to wait longer for consultation.
 
     The spokesperson appealed for understanding and co-operation from members of the public. Patients with minor ailments are advised to consider seeking consultation at general out-patient clinics or private doctors.