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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Chairman of the Hospital Authority (HA), Professor John Leong, welcomed the Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive at the Legislative Council today (January 14) with the health policy agenda covering various initiatives to further enhance public health-care services for the upcoming challenges.
Professor Leong pointed out that one of the initiatives is to strengthen the services for the elderly. "In view of the longer waiting time for joint replacement services faced by the rapidly ageing population, the HA will establish the fourth Joint Replacement Centre in New Territories East Cluster to further reduce the waiting time," he said.
"The HA will also enhance geriatric rehabilitation and care for the terminally ill by expanding the capacity of the Yan Chai Hospital Geriatric Day Rehabilitation Centre and strengthening the Community Geriatric Assessment Team service."
He added that to meet the heavy demand for general outpatient clinic (GOPC) service by the elderly, the HA will increase the GOPC episodic quota in Kowloon Central, Kowloon East, Kowloon West, New Territories East and New Territories West Clusters in 2015-16.
Professor Leong said he was delighted that the Government would proceed with the development of a new acute hospital at the Kai Tak Development Area with the setting up of an oncology centre and the provision of inpatient and ambulatory services in the first phase. The HA will also add 250 beds in various hospitals and enhance endoscopy service capacity.
Regarding the provision of psychiatric services, Professor Leong said, "To enhance support for the mentally ill, the HA will increase the beds of Siu Lam Hospital with a view to managing all patients with severe mental illness on the waiting list in three years' time. Peer support workers will be introduced in the Case Management programme for patients with serious mental illness."
He added, "The HA will continue to expand the coverage of the HA Drug Formulary to improve the quality of drugs, improve hospital and clinic facilities with the funding for minor works, and further expand the GOPC Public-Private Partnership Programme."
Professor Leong expressed gratitude for the Government's continual support for public hospital services to provide a safety net for the people of Hong Kong. This commitment will ensure the well-being of the community and a healthy population to sustain the growth of society regardless of the socio-economic situation.
Ends/Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:40
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