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The data requested by the Honourable Chan Kam-lam in part (a) and (b) of the question is not available. However, a study conducted earlier by the Hospital Authority indicated that the prevalence rate of hospital acquired infections in Hong Kong is about 7%. This compares favourably with some developed countries with a rate of up to 10%.

As for health care personnel, they have relatively stronger bodily defences compared with patients and are thus less prone to hospital acquired infections. Nevertheless, measures have been taken to reduce their occupational hazards through infection control programmes, regular staff education and protocol or procedures for handling patients with communicable diseases.

The Hospital Authority has promulgated a set of guidelines on proper procedures for the disinfection of all medical devices and equipment. Infection control committees are set up in all public hospitals to co-ordinate action in reducing hospital acquired infections. Furthermore, private hospitals are required to follow the "Guide to Hospital Standards" issued by the Department of Health providing for development and review of policies and procedures on infection control.

rare.

Bacteria that can stay in the air and spread from person to person by air are The chances of people contracting communicable diseases from patients. attending public or private clinics for treatment are no higher than that through ordinary exposure in the community. There is thus no question of potential risk to residential areas in the neighbourhood of medical facilities.

End

Land resumption in North District

Following is a question by the Hon Cheung Hon-chung and a written reply by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday);

Question:

It is learnt that the river training project in the North District will involve the resumption of approximately 10,000 private lots, and that there is a lack of sufficient manpower resources in the District Lands Offices, North to handle the resumption work. In this regard, will the Government inform this Council of the following:

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