The Hospital Authority today reported that a confirmed COVID-19 patient received a CT scan examination at the Caritas Medical Centre without a ventilation system installed as planned.

The authority's Chief Manager (Quality & Standards) Dr Lau Ka-hin told a press briefing that the replacement work for the air handling unit began on January 23 in a CT scan examination suite at the hospital.

Two portable air purifier units with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters were planned to be installed to aid temporary air ventilation.

On the afternoon of January 25, staff noted that the air purifiers had not been installed as planned.

A confirmed COVID-19 patient had received a CT scan examination in the suite at around 1am on January 24.

This patient required high flow oxygen with a filtered mask and her duration of stay was around five minutes. 

An investigation revealed that a total of 71 patients received an examination in the same location after the confirmed patient.

All of these patients had been wearing surgical masks and generally stayed in the room for a few minutes for the procedure.

Staff who conducted patient examinations as well as disinfection had worn personal protection equipment properly. 

No staff member nor patient was identified as a close contact.

One staff member and 10 patients were identified as other contacts and are required to receive a COVID-19 test and medical surveillance.

The hospital will also contact all inpatients involved as well as staff members who worked in the area for tests.

Discharged patients will be referred to the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up.