HA extends measures to augment manpower for service surge
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The Hospital Authority Board today (April 10) approved the extension of a manpower enhancement measure for the winter surge to increase the rate of the Special Honorarium Scheme (SHS) allowance by 10 per cent up to May 31. Other enhancement measures being extended to cope with the persistent high service demand include offering the rate for the respective senior clinical ranks of senior staff (including Consultant Doctor, Association Consultant Doctor and Advanced Practice Nurse) to enhance senior coverage, and enhancing the nursing night shift support.
The HA Chief Manager (Cluster Performance), Dr Ian Cheung, said, "Amid the decreased seasonal influenza activity, the recent unpredictable weather has triggered the unstable condition of the elderly patients with chronic diseases and, hence, the occupancy rate of medical wards has remained over 100 per cent. The Accident and Emergency Departments also encountered a surge in attendance after the extended holidays, coupled with the increase in suspected measles cases in the community, which has created additional staff workload in the enhanced infection control and isolation measures."
Dr Cheung said he anticipated that the service demand pressure will remain heavy in the upcoming long holidays for Easter and Buddha's Birthday. "By extending the aforementioned arrangements, alongside the flexibility of the one-hour SHS sessions, more front-line staff are encouraged to participate in the SHS and join hands in meeting the challenge of the service surge," he said.
"All the winter service surge measures will be enforced until May 31. I would like to take the opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks again to front-line colleagues for their dedication and commitment in taking care of our patients," Dr Cheung added.
Ends/Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Issued at HKT 19:30
Issued at HKT 19:30
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