2
Mr. Cheong-Leen has most eloquently put the case for the need to
improve paediatric facilities. I should say at once that I am in agreement
in principle with him that there is such a need, although I must hasten to
add that the present insufficiency is by no means "shocking". There are
already specialist paediatric units attached to our threc major regional
hospitals, namely: Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret
Hospitals with a total bed complement of 614 beds. It is fair to say that
these units and their staff both in the Government and the University are
providing a good and efficient service which to a large extent has contributed
to the fact that our infant and child mortality rates are among the lowest
and compare very favourably with the best in the world.
Hon. Members will recall that the principle of regionalisation of
medical services as recommended by the MDAC has been accepted by the
Government in 1974. In accordance with this principle, medical services
are to be provided by having specialist facilities, including paediatrics,
being incorporated and attached to general hospitals, rather than to cater
for such services in separate specialist hospitals. This is particularly
relevant and practical in the context of Hong Kong where precious resources
in terms of professional expertise and facilities as well as competing
claims of various specialties make it inevitable that resources should be
utilised to the fullest extent. This arrangement has the added advantage
in that a wide range of services, including specialist services, would be
available and accessible in locations which are most convenient for the public.
I may add that in many advanced countries the general trend is also towards
the provision of specialist facilities being attached to general hospitals.
Thus, the present arrangements in respect of specialist paediatric units
in our three Regional Hospitals are entirely logical.
There is, of course, much room for improvement and none for complacency
and Mr. Cheong-Leen would be glad to know that in fact a feasibility study
will be undertaken soon in connection with a proposal to update paediatric
and other facilities for the Queen Mary Hospital while an item for similar
1.....