Destination Healthcare Company Promotes Caution in the Face of H1N1 Influenza

May 3, 2009 - PRLog -- With the World Health Organization raising the pandemic alert to Phase 5, China Connection Global Healthcare, along with its network of premier hospitals in Tianjin and Beijing, China, implemented its pandemic response protocols this week.  “Because human influenza viruses often mutate into different forms, it’s too early to assess the potential virulence of H1N1,” said China Connection Global Healthcare CEO Ruth Lycke.  “However, we know that today’s global society enables rapid spread of disease and believe it is prudent to implement our response protocols in order to ensure the health of those we serve with Destination HealthCare™.”  

WHO Phase 5 recognizes human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries and can be a signal that further spread of H1N1 may be imminent.  At 4pm GMT on May 3, 18 countries were reporting 898 cases of H1N1 in 18 countries, an increase of 121 cases from the day before.  Although it bears watching, patients are responding well to treatment, and deaths have been reported only in Mexico (19) and the United States (1).  To date, only a single case has been reported in China, that one involving a guest at a hotel in Hong Kong who had received arrived from Mexico.

“Our network of world-class hospitals are alerted to the potential for an H1N1 case and have enacted their response plans.  The plans involve efforts for early detection and diagnosis, infection control measures and patient quarantine,” commented Lycke.  “Their actions are indicative of the advance preparations they’ve made and we’re pleased to know that they and out patients are benefiting from the hospitals’ investments and planning.”

Lycke is traveling to China this week to accompany a Kentucky woman traveling to the First Teaching Hospital in Tianjin.  The woman, who suffered a brain injury in 2008, is one of many patients who travel with CCGH for medical care.  While there, Lycke will also review each of the CCGH network hospital’s readiness for a pandemic event and meet with patients already in China to share CCGH’s pandemic plan in the event of further outbreaks.  Lycke adds, “This is a critical time to be prepared, and it’s equally important not to overreact.  Both are important to our patients, and we’re pleased to be ready on their behalf.”
About China Connection Global HealthCare: China Connection Global HealthCare (CCGH), the pioneering leader in Destination HealthCare™, arranges premier medical care at affordable costs for individuals, employer groups and insurance companies. CCGH enables its clients to receive Western and traditional Chinese medical care through a network of world renowned, accredited hospitals at rates far less than those charged in America. Since 2006, CCGH has assisted patients from the US, Canada, the UK, India, Australia and Japan in finding the care they needed.

Contact:
David Mair            
Chief Operating Officer         

mair@chinaconnection.cc      
410-592-3039   

Paige Michaelis
Media Relations

paige@sixpointsmedia.com
727-289-5411

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China Connection Global Healthcare is the leader in destination healthcare, often referred to as medical tourism. CCGH's Destination HealthCare™ programs deliver premier medical care through world-class hospitals at rates far below those in the US.