HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL —15 March 1989 香港立法局——————————一九八九年三月十五日
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to staff the reorganization of the department and to repeat the assurances on their Civil Service status.
Sir, in addition to the above consultations, a group of 43 staff associations have formed themselves into a "league" representing all grades of staff other than the doctors and hospital administrators in order to safeguard the interests of the staff with the approaching establishment of the Hospital Authority. Their latest meeting with the management of the department was held on 7 March, a few days ago, and there they indicated clearly that they understood the reason for and did not object to the reorganization of the department on 1 April 1989. In response to requests from individual staff associations, additional meetings have also been arranged with various staff representatives and groups to further explain the details of the reorganization and to allay their anxieties. These meetings have generally been well received by the staff.
Sir, from all these consultations with staff a very clear message has emerged. The steps being taken to reorganize the medical services have created uncertainty amongst staff. This, however, is a problem which cannot be fully resolved until the recommendations of the Provisional Hospital Authority on the new terms and conditions of service to be applicable under the new Hospital Authority have been finalized and accepted by staff. In the interim, the Government has assured staff that whatever the future Hospital Authority may be, they will have an option either to join the new authority or to remain as civil servants. This will be a genuine option and for those who remain as civil servants they will have their legitimate interests protected.
Finally, Sir, consultation with staff will continue after the reorganization of the department, because as I said it is essential to secure the understanding and support of staff in a major and complex reorganization exercise which will begin on 1 April 1989.
Question put and agreed to.
First Reading of Bill
PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1989
Bills read the First time and ordered to be set down for Second Reading pursuant to Standing Order 41(3).