2 -
3.
I should point out that the average occupancy
rate of almost 79% for the subvented hospitals is high by
international standards and is only relatively lower when
compared to the overcrowded situation in most Government
regional hospitals.
4.
Nevertheless, it is Government's policy to
encourage a more even utilisation of hospital beds in the
Government and subvented hospital sectors.
Measures which
have been taken by the Medical and Health Department
included :
(a)
(b)
the conversion of specialty wards with low
Occupancy rates such as paediatric and
obstetric wards, into surgical and medical
wards for which there is a greater demand;
more publicity regarding the Accident and
Emergency services of some subvented
hospitals;
(c) active encouragement of doctors in nearby
clinics to refer more cases to subvented
hospitals; and