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HEALTH
radiographers, optometrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical laboratory technicians and dental technicians. Training for speech therapists and pharmacists is provided by the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Both universities offer masters degree courses in the training of clinical psychologists. The Sha Tin Technical Institute, of the Technical Education and Industrial Training Department, provides training for dispensers which is complemented by in-service training. There is also in-service training for prosthetists, mould laboratory technicians and therapeutic radiographers in the respective units of public institutions. Where local training is not yet available, government training scholarship programmes are offered. These cover the supply of audiologists, audiological technicians, orthoptists and chiropodists. There are also opportunities for overseas training in specialised areas for medical, nursing, para-medical and para-dental staff.
School of Public Health Nursing
The School of Public Health Nursing, under the Public Health Nursing Division, provides full-time and part-time public health nursing training programmes for the professional development of nurses in the Department of Health. Its main training programme is a nine-month, full-time course which leads to a diploma in public health nursing studies for registered nurses.
The school's new premises at Lam Tin Polyclinic in Kwun Tong were officially opened in - January. With its expanded facilities and additional staff, the school will double its yearly
student intake of public health nursing students to 60 for the full-time course.
Government Laboratory
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The Government Laboratory provides a wide range of chemical testing services to government departments, and other institutions, for the protection of public health. This includes the provision of analytical and advisory services on environmental protection. The laboratory has statutory responsibilities for testing under a number of ordinances and regulations.
During the year, food products were regularly tested for composition, additives, toxic residues and contaminants. Services were rendered to the Department of Health, Urban Services Department and Regional Services Department in cases of food-related com- plaints and suspected food poisoning.
Pharmaceutical products, for use in hospitals managed by the Hospital Authority and public clinics, were tested for compliance with pharmacopoeia or other specifications. Products intended for use and sale locally were examined for compliance with registration and labelling requirements. Herbal medicines were checked for the presence of synthetic drugs and toxic metals.
A product safety laboratory was set up to undertake testing of toys and children's products for compliance with safety standards and specifications under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance, which was enacted in November 1992. Before the ordinance came into operation in July 1993, a project was conducted with the Consumer Council to test toys supplied locally.
Examination of a wide range of commodities submitted by the Customs and Excise Department continued. These included dutiable commodities tested for duty assessment purposes, weighing equipment for compliance with the Weights and Measures Ordinance,