Mass gatherings in public hospitals affect patient serivces
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hospital Authority (HA) today (August 15) appeals to members of the public, having regard to patient safety and wellbeing, not to hold mass gatherings or petition activities in public hospitals. These activities will affect patient safety, and will also hamper hospital services and emergency operations.
 
     "Public hospitals are not suitable for mass gathering events as the crowds and nuisance will adversely affect hospital operations and the patients. The HA will seriously follow up if such activities affect the hospital's service provisions, emergency operations or patients," the HA spokesperson said.
 
     "The HA and its hospitals also received public complaints expressing concerns on recent gatherings of healthcare staff at public hospitals and related signature campaigns on social media. The HA understands staff members' wishes to express their views as Hong Kong citizens on the recent social situation in hospitals, and that staff members may return to their duties in a timely manner. While the HA respects staff expressing views in their personal capacity, they are reminded of the importance of public expectations and perceptions towards public hospitals. Healthcare professionals should safeguard patient safety and accord priority to patient services. Patients should not be misled to perceive public hospitals as not being able to provide equitable services to patients due to different stances and background."
 
     The HA thanks staff members again for their dedication in maintaining public hospital services. The HA trusts that its colleagues will continue to demonstrate professionalism in providing equitable services to all public hospital patients.

Ends/Thursday, August 15, 2019
Issued at HKT 18:45

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