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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) today (October 29) announces the new opening hours for the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from November 7 (Saturday), in view of alleviation in service demand.
"Starting from November 7, the eight DFCs will run a half-day service (9am to 1pm) during the weekends and public holidays, while full-day service (9am to 5pm) will be maintained every Mondays to Fridays," the HA spokesman said.
The spokesman pointed out that there had been a significant reduction in attendance in the eight DFCs since early October.
The HA spokesman said, "The average daily attendance has dropped from 1,253 in the last week of September to 266 in the week of October 15. Statistics also show a remarkable decrease in average attendance on Saturdays and Sundays - from 559 in the first week of October to 230 in the third week."
"The reduction in attendance is a reflection of a relieving flu situation in the community and is well-timed for the Hospital Authority to rationalise the resources to support the Government Vaccination Programme in preparation for the coming winter flu season," the HA spokesman added.
Posters and notices will be displayed in public hospitals and clinics to remind the public the new opening hours of DFCs on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Hospital Authority will continue to closely monitor the service demand at DFCs and adjust the service hours to meet the needs as and when necessary.
Ends/Thursday, October 29, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:31
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