SWD probes elderly home involved in gastroenteritis outbreak

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) is seeking legal advice regarding the elderly home in Ho Man Tin after a recent gastroenteritis outbreak there.

"We are investigating into the possibility of any breach of licensing conditions by the elderly home in question," the Acting Director of Social Welfare, Mrs Agnes Allcock, said today (September 10).

"We reserve the right to take appropriate action against the operator if any such breach is established."

Following explanation by social workers in the past few days, all elderly residents and their families agreed to move out of the elderly home in Ho Man Tin.

Of the 31 residents, 17 have moved to the Cheung Muk Tau Holiday Centre for the Elderly in Sai Kung, five to other elderly homes while seven are staying in hospitals (three for gastroenteritis symptoms and four for other illnesses). Two have opted to return home.

Mrs Agnes Allcock stressed that the well-being of the elderly residents was the department''''''''s prime concern in handling the gastroenteritis outbreak.

"I am grateful for their understanding and co-operation. We will continue to take care of the well-being of the elders who have left the elderly home and provide all necessary assistance to them and their families."

"Meanwhile, we will step up our inspection and enforcement action to prevent a recurrence of the incident," she said.

The department is preparing a detailed report on the incident and will submit the report to the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food shortly.

End

Friday, September 10, 2004