The London Medical Clinic 倫敦醫療診所
  • Home
  • Our Team
  • Services
  • Book Online
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Patient Forms
  • Join us
9/F, 1 Duddell Street, Central

Easter Opening Hours

10/4/2020

 
The clinic will be closed from Friday 10th April 2020 to Monday 13th April inclusive. We will be open as usual from Tuesday 14th April 2020.

​Have a nice Easter but try and stay at home!

COVID-19 Update 16th March 2020

16/3/2020

 
Picture
On March 11th 2020 the W.H.O classified the COVID-19 as a worldwide pandemic.   The situation is evolving rapidly with different guidelines being issued by respective governments around the world.
In view of this, our clinic is trying to adapt to these events by balancing the medical needs of our patients to the safety and well-being of patients in the clinic and our staff. 
 

COVID -19 Testing
We can arrange private rapid Covid -19 testing for those who require a certificate for travel, fitness to return to work or concerned about their symptoms. This can be done as a blood, nose/throat swab or saliva test. It is mandatory to have a phone consultation with one of our doctors to assess if you are suitable for this test first. Please contact the clinic for further information.

Teleconsultation
In addition, we have set up teleconsultations via Zoom
 
Teleconsults would be suitable for;
 
1-Those who have travelled anywhere in the past 14 days and present with any respiratory symptoms (sore throat, cough, runny nose) with or without a fever or anyone who has been in close contact with them. For such patient you are advised as per Centre of Health protection Hong Kong to self-isolate at home for 14 days.
 
2-We can arrange home testing of COVID-19 . This is only after a consultation with a doctor to assess if it is suitable for you. 
 
3-Those who wish to seek medical advice, but do not wish to attend the clinic due to personal circumstances.
 
4-As always skype consultations continue to be available for psychiatrist or psychologist.
 
For further information regards the above services please email info@thelondonmedicalclinic.com
 

Take a deep breath and carry on.
 
Dr Lily Wong

 


Teleconsultation at The London

13/3/2020

 
Due to the prolonged COVID-19 situation and pandemic spread we understand a lot of patients have concerns about coming in person to the clinic. They may also have come back from countries where the virus is spreading. Although we are screening our appointments we appreciate some patients would like a virtual consultation from their home or work. As such we will be rolling out the ability to have Zoom consultations with our doctors. A lot parents will be familiar with the app which is available for iOS/Android and Windows PC/Macs. Please contact us by telephone or email for more details. Consultation fees will be the same as a standard clinic appointment. 

COVID-19 update

4/3/2020

 
 
February has been a challenging month for most of us. It’s been over 1 month since the Coronavirus (COVID -19) first hit Hong Kong. Being highly contagious, the mortality rate of the virus is estimated at 2% in the epicenter of the outbreak, Hubei province, but thankfully this figure is much less elsewhere. Putting this into context, SARS had a death rate of more than 10%, so although the COVID-19 might be highly contagious, it is definitely less deadly.
However, as there is no vaccine to date and with the uncertainty of when the virus will subside, or indeed where it will spread to next- it’s not surprising that many people will feel anxious about the current situation. Added to the fact that Hong Kong has seen some pretty turbulent times with the protests last year and now with the disruption caused by the virus from our daily routines, home schooling and fears over employment- it’s no wonder that some people feel emotionally distressed and drained.        
 
However, apart from the standard government advice of good hand and personal hygiene and avoiding crowded areas, there is only so much a person can do to avoid exposure to the virus.  
The best thing anyone can do in these situations is to take a step back, take a deep breath and try to look at ways to safe guard your own mental health and outlook on life to face the uncertain challenges that lie ahead. Here’s a couple of pointers that you might find useful.
 
  • You will feel much better when you set up a new routine for the day, particularly if you are working from home and/or have children who are now being home schooled.
  • As a parent I understand the importance of them achieving high academic grades, but as an employer I know it’s as important for children to develop interpersonal skills to equip them for their working life ahead.  These unprecedented times whilst they are off school might be the perfect opportunity to teach them such life skills such as cooking, asking them to plan a BBQ list, allowing them to plan a hiking trip etc. Also think of activities to strengthen bonding with your children. After all, they will be observing and learning from us now as to how we are handling change and uncertainties in our current lives.
  • Eat healthily and sleep well.
  • Try and keep up with some regular exercise twice a week.
  • Download mediation apps such as CALM and Headspace. Meditation has many benefits, including reducing stress and boosting one’s immune system. Its free, easily accessible anywhere and if learnt with your child, will help them to face life’s challenges.
 
  • Don’t plan too far ahead. Accept there may be changes to be made.
 
  • Simple measures such as frequent vigorous hand washing, especially after touching potentially infected surfaces (like shoes, shopping trolley handles, and money), is the most important advice to reduce infection rates as well as social distancing.
 
  • Epidemics bring out the best and worst in social media. Try to avoid relying on unregulated social media for information. Human behavior is such that we have a greater tendency to share emotionally evocative images and text that provokes fear and panic in us.
 
  • There is still some flu vaccine available which is recommended to all from 6 months, especially this year. This does not protect you against the Coronavirus, but protects you against influenzas only. By doing so it allows your immune system to work at an optimal level to tackle any other infection you may come across, which is especially important in the current situation.

​On a side note, we will continue to implement the following preventive measures in the clinic to protect the health and safety of our patients and staff by:
 
  • Screening all patients who make appointments.
  • Not accepting  walk-in patients for the time being.
  • Temperatures checks for all patients.
  • We have also increased the frequency of disinfection of public areas in the clinic.
  • Drs are always accessible by email or phone for those who are uncertain as to what to do or whether to attend the clinic for appointments.
 
Novel Coronavirus testing has just been made available to private clinics. This can be either by blood or nose and throat swab. The likelihood is that it will only be appropriate for testing of low risk patients. We will be providing our patients with more information once it becomes available.
 
In the meantime, stay calm, take sensible preventive measures and keep your self-updated with the latest information and advice via https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/index.html
 
 
Yours in Good health
Dr Lily Wong

Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (NCP) update

9/2/2020

 
As of February 9th,  2020, the worldwide figure for those infected with the Coronavirus is 37554, with the number of deaths at 813. Hong Kong has 28 cases resulting in one death. 
Although the influenza virus causes many deaths every year, the main reason we are scared by this novel coronavirus is that it is new and unknown. We just don’t know how bad it will get and exactly how deadly or contagious it is. Similarly there is no vaccine or effective treatment at present. What we don’t know is what frightens us.
If current figures are to be believed, it is without doubt a very contagious virus but the death rate is still low, and occurring mainly in those patients with co-existing illnesses. It is indeed an emergency in China, but numbers still remain relatively low in other parts of the world. However, the situation is constantly changing.

Be reassured though that Hong Kong also has medical facilities with high standard of care run by well trained medical professionals.

As of February 8th, Hong Kong will be enforcing a mandatory quarantine of 14 days for those arriving from China and penalties for those who violate this order. Even so a  much higher number of confirmed cases is likely in the coming weeks.
​
What we know so far about the coronavirus
The incubation period is around 14 days, which means people can show no symptoms but are still infectious. There are no real specific symptoms to identify if a patient is suffering from the coronavirus. Special swabs taken from the nose or throat and an examination of sputum samples for the virus are the current ways for detection and are only available in public hospitals.
The coronavirus spreads by droplets, which can be spread by a sick person who are visibly coughing sneezing. A distance of around 2 meters will keep you safe. Such droplets can also land on surfaces, which can then contaminate your hands and be transferred into your body by your eyes, nose or mouth. Coronavirus is not something that people can get from casual contact. The coronavirus has also been found in stool samples; therefore this can be another mode of infection and diarrhea can also be a symptom of the infection.
There are no vaccines or drugs at present that are found to be effective. Although there is suggestion that some antiviral drugs, such as those for HIV and influenza, may have a role in treatment, it is too early to say. It is not advisable for patients to stock up on these medicines as they are very potent and are not appropriate for every one. Also they can have serious side effects.
 
How can we best protect ourselves from getting infectious respiratory diseases?
The below tips are based on guidelines from the Department of Health, but also contain some practical advice that we having always advised patient to follow to prevent themselves from catching any infectious diseases - even more so in the current climate.
  • Hand washing with soap, including between fingers, is still the most effective way and should be done for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol.
  • A mask is only really useful for sick people or those dealing with sick people, working in confined spaces, public transports, doctor’s waiting rooms etc.  Masks can cause a false sense of security and increase the chances of touching one’s face when adjusting it. It is not advisable to wash and reuse a mask. Goggles and glasses are only advised for medical personnel dealing with sick patients.
  • Make sure you don’t touch the outside surface of your masks and where you place your mask should you take it off. Dispose of them directly in the bin.
  • One of the best ways to avoid any infectious disease is not to touch your face or those of your loved ones. Viruses and bacteria can get in to your body either by your eyes, nose or mouth. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Infection does not enter the body through intact skin.
  • We do advise patients to have an influenza vaccine, especially this year. This helps protect your body from seasonal flu and therefore allows your immune defense to fight any other potential infections you may acquire. Stocks are limited this year.
  • For some patients it may also be appropriate to have the pneumonia vaccine; please discuss with your doctor.
  • It is advisable not to bring too many companions to a medical clinic.
  • Due to the incubation period, it is a good idea to avoid crowds because you do not know who might be sick.
  • Close your toilet seat when flushing the toilet to prevent a contaminated aerosol column from infecting nearby objects. Also, keep personal toiletries in cupboards or covered up in the bathroom.
  • Try and not share food, utensils, cups or towels.
  • Avoid putting your bag/school bags on to sofas and beds.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs, such as door handles at home and work.
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible, work from home, children should avoid school and playgroups. This is to avoid passing any infection to others but also to avoid others from infecting you to further burden your immune system.
  • Use a tissue to touch public toilet handles and door handles.
  • When travelling, avoid travelling if you are sick, wear a mask and bring some disinfectant to clean around your seating area and the TV screen. Bring your own pillows and blankets. 
  • Consider changing out of your outdoor clothes when you get home, especially for young children, as it is more difficult to emphasize to them  not to touch their faces. Consider having bed covers.
  • Clean electronic devices like mobile phones, iPads regularly with disinfectant.
  • Social media has shown itself in the past few weeks to be useful in passing on both regulated and unregulated information, which can cause more fear and anxiety. At times like this it as important to look after ones’ mental as well as physical health. Try to control the amount of time you are on social media. For up to date regulated information it would be best to  look at official websites such as CHP https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/index.html
  • As always, one of the best defenses is our own immune system. Eat a healthy balanced diet,  do  regular exercises, minimize stress levels and ensure you have a good sleeping habit.
 
How we can help
The clinic is running the full usual service, both doctors and therapists. There are measures in place to ensure we do not see any suspected cases, as all patients are screened first. For those wishing for tests to alleviate their concerns as to whether they may have the coronavirus, this test is only available in the public hospital. 

Currently we are only seeing booked appointments to allow us to screen all patients.

Seasonal flu vaccines are still currently available. 

For those patients who may need medical attention but feel they are not able to attend the clinic, please email your usual doctor and we will try and help you as best as we can.
​
In recent weeks some patients have needed letters for travel plans; please make an appointment with your usual doctor to issue these.
 
In the meantime, stay calm, safe, adhere to good personal hygiene and please email us for any additional information.
 
Dr Lily Wong
The London Medical clinic

Coronavirus Update

6/2/2020

 
The HKSAR government have announced that from Saturday 8th February 2020 12am - all people coming in from Mainland China will be subject to enforced quarantine for 14 days. This applies to all nationalities. In addition, if you have visited Mainland China in the past 14 days and come in from another country, you will also be subject to quarantine. Further details will announced later as to whether this will be in camps or at home with the use of GPS bracelets. We would advise all patients in China to come back to HK in the next 24hrs to avoid the quarantine measures.

This is partly in response to the new Coronavirus cases in the past 2 days in which the patients have had no previous travel to China. This would suggest that the virus is already spreading within the HK community. If this is the case then we would expect more infection cases in the next 2 weeks. 

Temporary TLMC policy regarding Coronavirus

5/2/2020

 
We have made the decision that due to infection control we are unable to take walk-in patients until further notice. All patients must have an appointment before being seen. This allows the clinic to screen patients efficiently and reduce the risk of infection spread. It will also safeguard patients who visit the clinic by appointment, as well as our own staff and doctors. 

New CHP advice on Coronavirus

4/2/2020

 
As of today there are 15 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in HK, a majority of which have a travel history to Hubei Province. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has announced that there will be testing for all pneumonia cases not responding to treatment within 3 days, in the public hospital -  regardless of travel history.

All patients who have been to Mainland China in the past 14 days should stay at home if possible and wear a mask if they need to go out.

All patients who have been to Hubei Province in the past 14 days should wear a mask and contact the Department of Health on 2125 1122.

Coronavirus update

1/2/2020

 
As of today there are 2 confirmed cases of Coronavirus patients in the UK. Both were tourists from Wuhan. In HK there are now 12 confirmed cases. Singapore and US have now banned all visitors coming from China and all residents who have been to China will be encouraged to stay at home for 14 days. 

Wuhan Coronavirus Update

29/1/2020

 
As China and indeed, other countries around the world battle to curb the spread of the Wuhan virus - a novel (new) type of coronavirus responsible for the epidemic currently spreading around the world - the need for relevant and useful information regarding the epidemic which the Director-General of the World Health Organization has referred to as a "high global risk" continues to increase. 


The Wuhan virus is a betacorona virus, currently provisionally referred to as '2019-nCoV', similar to the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) viruses, which characteristically cause flu-like illnesses.


The virus has been identified as a new type of coronavirus and is believed to have originated from bats, and while initially thought to have spread from animal to humans, is now reported to also possibly be spreading from person-to-person. 


The typical symptoms of infection are respiratory in nature and include: 
  • Dry cough
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Malaise (a general feeling of being unwell)


In severe cases, there could be:
  • Shortness of breath and 
  • Severe pneumonia, resulting in death in some patients. 


As of today January 28th 2020, there have been 4,682 reported cases, 106 deaths in China and 8 confirmed cases in Hong Kong, and while the situation is constantly changing, our current advice based on the information from the Centre for Health Protection, HK and practical advice from the family doctors in the clinic are as follows: 




What do we know so far about the Coronavirus?


Most current available information about the virus can be found here. 
https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/102466.html


How do I best protect myself?
Most coronaviruses spread through respiratory droplets, which are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, exhales, or drips nasal mucus. 
This is why it is advised to wear face masks in high risk situations such as in crowded areas and in medical clinics. 


But because these respiratory droplets can get settled on surfaces and you can get infected indirectly when you come in contact with them, wearing face masks only are not enough. 


Viruses can enter the body via the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is important therefore, that you practise good hand hygiene:


  • Ensure you wash your hands with soap regularly as per the guidelines on CHP.
  • Make liberal use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers when hand washing is not feasible or convenient. 
  • Try not to touch your face with your hands too often especially when you have not done the above. 


We are aware in recent days that there has been a limited supply of masks both in Hong Kong and around the world. This makes hand hygiene maintenance even more necessary. 


So far, most of the deaths associated with this virus have occurred in people of older age and in those with underlying medical illnesses. Therefore, it is important to maintain a good immune system and protect yourself against infections especially respiratory infections like the influenza against which there are available vaccines like the influenza vaccine. In the past months, we have seen a high number of cases of Influenza A in adults and children, and we would advise anyone who has not had the flu vaccine to have this while there are still some in supply. Contracting Influenza A and Coronavirus combination could lead to a more severe infection.


Avoid crowded areas especially for those who are old, young, or pregnant, and if you must move around in public places, wear a face mask and maintain good hand hygiene. Museums and theme parks are already closed to avoid large gatherings of people.


Wear protective clothing like hand gloves and winter mittens when you go out in public and take these and your outdoor clothes off as soon as you return home. 
If you are not feeling well, seek medical care immediately. 




Can I still travel?
Currently there is no official advice on travel in and out of Hong Kong, other than to Hubei province, but as you are aware, a lot of airports are on heightened alert and should you travel with a mild fever, regardless of the underlying cause, there is a chance you may be stopped and quarantined if you're coming from Hong Kong or China for interrogation. 


Currently, some boarding schools in the UK have already sent out a circular to their students informing them that any student who travels back to Hong Kong or China for the half term February period will not be allowed back to school for at least 2 weeks after returning to the UK.


Should you travel, wear masks on the plane and bring alcohol wipes to clean the seating area around you and the TV screens.


Should I cancel my hospital bookings?
At present, most private hospitals are asking patients to reschedule their hospital booking if they have any respiratory symptoms and/or have travelled to China in the last 2 weeks.


For all other patients, you can proceed with your bookings but should you have any concerns and wish to reschedule or to discuss further, please contact the nurses at nurses@thelondonmedicalclinic.com.


Can I be tested for the Coronavirus?
No, this cannot be done in private practice currently. The testing for this virus is very specialised and currently only available in designated laboratories under the public health system via public hospitals' Accident and Emergency departments and therefore not available at any private clinics.


As doctors, we have been advised to report to the public health officer should any of our patients fulfil the following criteria: 


  • Presenting with fever and acute respiratory illness, OR
  • Pneumonia


AND;
Having had either one of the following within 14 days BEFORE ONSET OF SYMPTOMS:
(a) visited Hubei Province; OR 
(b) visited a medical hospital in mainland China; OR 
(c) had close contact with a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection while that patient was symptomatic.
However, such guidelines are likely to change with time.


What is the current treatment?
Since this is a new virus, there are no vaccines or specific treatments currently.
Treatment is supportive only, to relieve symptoms and prevent any complications and side effects, as well as to improve the patient's comfort and quality of life. Antibiotics are only useful for bacterial infections.


A few days ago, the Hong Kong government announced that patients placed on isolation in Hong Kong because they have, or are suspected to have the new Wuhan virus will be treated free of charge be they SAR residents, mainlanders, or foreigners.


Is the clinic still open?
Yes, the clinic would be open for full services from January 29th 2020, but we would appreciate it if patients adhered to our respiratory/cough etiquette guidelines of wearing a mask especially if you have any respiratory symptoms. Face masks will be available from the reception. 
Unfortunately, at present due to a limited supply of masks worldwide, we are not able to sell the masks and can only give them out for patients' use in the clinic.
Should you have a fever on arrival, please speak to the nurses.
The clinic has also put in place, advice from the CHP for all medical clinics. 


Should you have fever and be concerned that you may be at risk of coming in contact with the coronavirus, do not hesitate to contact us by telephone for advice instead of coming to the clinic.


We understand that there may still be some concerns and patients may require some advice specific to their own circumstances. In such cases, please email your usual family doctor for further advice.


The situation is changing fast and we will try as much as we can to give our patients current updates of the situation intermittently, but you can also keep abreast of the latest travel advisories and changes by monitoring news and advice websites such as the Hong Kong Tourism Board (discoverhongkong.com), and Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (chp.gov.hk).


<<Previous
Forward>>

    Latest News

    COVID-19 HK vaccination information

    Archives

    November 2022
    September 2022
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    November 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    August 2019
    April 2019
    November 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Copyright 2011
​Disclaimer
​Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Our Team
  • Services
  • Book Online
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Patient Forms
  • Join us