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Following is a question by the Hon Li Kwok-ying and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (June 14):
Question:
It has been reported that the nursing sector is planning the setting up of a nursing academy to accredit the specialist qualifications of nurses. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) whether it has taken the initiative to discuss the above matter with members of the nursing sector; if it has, of the details of the discussions; if not, the reasons for that; and
(b) how it will offer support to the nursing sector in terms of site selection, policies and funding, etc, together with a timetable in this respect?
Reply:
Madam President,
The Administration understands that the nursing sector is now holding extensive consultation and discussion on the development of nursing specialties and the setting up of a nursing academy. We in principle support the development direction proposed by the nursing sector as the development of nursing specialties would help enhance professional standards of nurses and hence improve the overall standard of Hong Kong's health care services for better protection of public health.
Specialisation in nursing is an important milestone in the professionalisation of the nursing profession. For effective promotion of the cause, the proposal must have the wide support, participation, consensus and commitment of the sector. The Administration is aware that members of the nursing sector come from different professional background and different institutions and organisations. They may have different expectations on the development of nurse specialties. In this connection, we hope that the proposal put forward by the nursing sector would be able to reflect the overall consensus of the sector. Our reply to the questions is as follows-
(a) Earlier on, the nursing sector submitted to the Administration a framework proposal outlining the development direction of nursing specialties. We understand that the nursing sector is now holding further discussion on the development proposal and will submit a detailed proposal for the Administration's consideration. We will be pleased to consider the proposal to be submitted by the sector.
(b) If recommendations concerning site selection, policies and funding are included in the proposal put forward by the nursing sector, the Administration will study and consider them actively with a view to providing the sector with appropriate support. The development of nursing specialties is a very important step for the nursing sector to raise their professional standards. Under the premise of professional autonomy, enthusiastic support of and participation in the proposed development from the nursing sector is of utmost importance, including continuous financial commitment to operation of the nursing academy in the long run.
Ends/Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:08
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