HEALTH
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Performance Pledges The department has set performance pledges with the aim of improving the delivery of services to the public and developing a more customer-oriented culture of service. All general out-patient clinics were included in the programme in late 1994. Improvements include the use of medical records and patient-held records to enhance continuity of care, labelling of all dispensed medicine, improving the clinic environment, health education and counselling by nurses. Emphasis has been placed on ensuring patient privacy and confidentiality of patient information. The programme will shortly be extended to maternal and child health centres.
Health Education
The Central Health Education Unit of the Department of Health is responsible for the planning, organisation and promotion of health education activities. In 1994, its focus included the prevention of communicable diseases such as hepatitis A, diarrhoeal diseases and malaria; organ donation; prevention of accidents and the health hazards of smoking. It liaises closely with both government and non-governmental organisations to promote health education activities.
A new Health Ambassador Scheme was launched during the year. Women and secondary school students were recruited and given training so that they could carry out further health promotional activities in schools and among families. Special training courses and seminars were arranged for teachers. Health talks and presentations were delivered in schools, and to voluntary agencies, private companies and government departments.
Health education materials including leaflets, slides, videos and exhibits were produced for distribution or loan. Some selected video titles are sold at cost.
A new computerised 24-hour telephone health education system (2833 0111), which delivers voice and fax messages on many health topics, was installed in 1994.
Family Health
The Family Health Service of the Department of Health offers a comprehensive health programme for women and children aged below six years through 47 maternal and child health centres. For children, immunisation, health advice, physical examinations and comprehensive observation services are provided. During the year, about 91 per cent of newborn babies attended such centres. For women of child-bearing age, ante-natal and post- natal medical consultation and family planning services are available. In addition, the first women's health centre commenced operation in May, to provide a health promotion and screening programme for women aged 45 years and above.
The government-subvented Family Planning Association of Hong Kong runs nine birth control clinics and three youth health care centres, providing contraceptives, sterilisations, vasectomies, gynaecological check-ups, pre-marital check-ups, youth counselling and advice on sub-fertility. It also promotes family planning, family life and sex education.
Medical Care for the Elderly
The provision of medical services for geriatric patients has been made an urgent priority. During 1994, the geriatric teams in acute hospitals were integrated with the general medical