Health 177
The laboratory provided support for investigations into cases involving undeclared western drug ingredients and incidences of intoxication suspected to have been caused by misused, or contaminated herbs in Chinese medicines. The laboratory continues to assist the Department of Health in the development of Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards (HKCMMS). It also continued its year-round surveillance of tar and nicotine yields in cigarettes, carrying out 13 224 checks on data declared by tobacco traders. The results of which were released to the public.
Hospital Laboratory Services
Hospital laboratories located in regional hospitals under the Hospital Authority provide a wide range of laboratory services in anatomical pathology, chemical pathology, haematology, blood bank, microbiology, immunology and tissue typing to ensure that all public hospitals, including those without onsite laboratories, have access to comprehensive laboratory services. These laboratories are supported by advanced information technology systems and automated devices to achieve operational efficiency. They are also accredited by a number of local and international accreditation bodies. These hospital laboratories carried out more than 200 million tests in 2009.
Auxiliary Medical Service
The Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) is a government department under the Security Bureau with an establishment of 92 civil servants. It manages a government- financed auxiliary service comprising 4 418 volunteers. In addition to doctors and nurses, all of its members are qualified Disaster Medical Assistants. Its main role is to reinforce regular medical, health and ambulance services during emergencies and to provide backup during ordinary times. The Director of Health is the AMS's Commissioner and is responsible to the Chief Executive for the efficient running of the service.
In addition to regular training, AMS members also carry out joint exercises with the Fire Services Department, the Hospital Authority and the Department of Health to familiarise themselves with the techniques of lifesaving, treating patients and handling sudden outbreaks of infectious diseases.
During the 2009 East Asian Games, AMS deployed 2 084 volunteers, including 101 doctors, 119 nurses and 1 864 members to work with the Hospital Authority and the Fire Services Department, providing medical and first-aid services at the competition venues. Ambulance coverage was also provided at the hotels for participants' family members.
In 2009, the AMS's Health Protection Unit responded promptly to the needs of community and stayed vigilant throughout the Human Swine Influenza outbreak and conducted Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccination for infants. The AMS received the 'Caring Organisation Award' in recognition of its community work in 2009.
Websites
Food and Health Bureau: www.fhb.gov.hk eHealth Record Office: www.eHealth.gov.hk