45
In doing so,
however, we
we can to meet these demands.
are inevitably constrained by the long lead time necessary to build and equip hospitals and to provide the
trained staff to operate them. In addition in Hong Kong
as elsewhere, the cost of providing health services is
increasing very rapidly :
this may lead to difficult
decisions on priorities in future years.
91.
The problems we face in our hospitals were highlighted in the Consultants' Report on the Delivery of
Medical Services in Hospitals. So too were longer-term
concerns about the effective use of resources and the
problems associated with the management of large hospitals. Having carefully considered the Consultants' Report and public reactions to it, the Government have now decided in principle to set up a statutory Hospital
Authority, with regional committees, to oversee the delivery of medical services in all government
subvented hospitals.
and
new
This means a completely
our hospitals. It will
of responsibility and
organisational structure for
provide a clearer line
accountability; enhanced flexibility to meet special needs; and more public participation in decision making A provisional Hospital Authority will be
and evaluation.
formed in April
1988 to oversee the legislative and
/administrative