9
Health
SEVERAL major medical projects were completed in 1984, the most important being the $826 million Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin. More major projects are in the pipeline as part of a wide-ranging development programme to cope with the demands of a steadily growing population. These demands have placed considerable pressure on existing hospitals, clinics and other facilities, with attendances and admissions reaching unprecedented levels.
The first phase of the 1 446-bed Prince of Wales Hospital opened early in the year, marking an important step in the regionalisation of medical and health services. The new hospital, which is also the teaching hospital for the Chinese University of Hong Kong, becomes the regional hospital for the eastern New Territories.
The first two phases provide 799 beds in such specialist units as medicine, surgery, paediatrics, and gynaecology and obstetrics. The other 647 beds are being put into use in two further phases with the hospital expected to be fully operational during 1985.
The Li Ka Shing Specialist Clinic incorporated into the Prince of Wales Hospital building - was officially opened by the Governor, Sir Edward Youde, in June. It is the first major polyclinic in the eastern New Territories and provides essential supporting services to the Prince of Wales Hospital.
Other important projects in the provision of medical services in the new towns include construction of the Tuen Mun Hospital, which is well underway, and expansion of the Pok Oi Hospital in Yuen Long and the Yan Chai Hospital in Tsuen Wan. The ultimate aim of these development plans is to provide a self-sufficient network of medical services within easy reach of the public in the New Territories.
Also completed during the year was the $73.6 million MacLehose Rehabilitation Centre, at Sandy Bay on Hong Kong Island, a subvented institution run by the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation. The 11-storey building has 150 beds for patients who have suffered major physical injury or impairment and require an intensive programme of treatment and rehabilitation.
When fully operational, the centre will provide services ranging from physiotherapy and occupational therapy to speech therapy and clinical psychology. The centre will provide an out-patient service for former patients who require follow-up treatment and also serve as a clinical training institute in the rehabilitation field. In addition, space has been allocated at the centre for a Rehabus depot and a technical and resource centre.
Other major clinics opened during the year included the Yung Fung Shee Memorial Centre in Kwun Tong which has comprehensive facilities including family health and chest services, and day services in geriatrics and psychiatry.
There are also physiotherapy and occupational therapy services as well as a health education centre.