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In response to media enquiries on the monitoring of the closure arrangements of the Hong Kong Central Hospital (HKCH), a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said today (June 19) that in view of the High Court ruling concerning the tenancy of the HKCH, the DH has instructed the HKCH to submit to the department within one week its detailed plan on closing down its services.
"We have also informed the hospital management that, in order to protect patient safety and ensure compliance with relevant legal requirements, the hospital may only provide booked services, day care, out-patient services and short-stay treatment (such as minor surgical procedures), on the condition that sufficient manpower and facilities are in place," the spokesman said.
"The department will closely monitor the services of the HKCH," he stressed.
Under the Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Maternity Homes Ordinance (Cap. 165), the DH registers private hospitals subject to the fitness of their conditions relating to manpower, equipment and accommodation.
"Against the closure plan to be submitted by the HKCH, the DH will liaise with the hospital management on the provision of services under conditions," the spokesman added.
Ends/Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:17
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