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services in the treatment of mental illness. In light of this, the HA has taken steps in recent years to enhance its community support services for mental patients. In 2010- 11, it piloted a case management programme in three districts (Kwai Tsing, Kwun Tong and Yuen Long), under which case managers provide intensive, continuous and personalised support to persons with severe mental illness.
To further enhance the support for persons with common mental disorders, the HA has set up Common Mental Disorder Clinics at the psychiatric specialist outpatient clinics based on the service model of the triage clinics to provide patients waiting for appointment at psychiatric specialist outpatient clinics with assessment and treatment services. In addition, the HA introduced an Integrated Mental Health Programme during the year to provide assessment and consultation for patients with common mental disorders in the primary care settings through collaboration between psychiatric and family medicine specialists. Information on other public mental health rehabilitation services is available in Chapter 10.
Other Special Services
The DH operates a range of specialist clinics and centres for the public. They include 20 methadone clinics, 19 tuberculosis and chest clinics, seven social hygiene clinics, four dermatology clinics, two integrated treatment centres, four clinical genetic clinics, six child assessment centres, and two travel health centres. About 7 million visits to these clinics were recorded in 2010.
Healthcare Services Provided by Private and Non-governmental Organisations
NGOs provide healthcare services at different levels in Hong Kong. Non-profit- making community clinics offering primary healthcare services are operated by a large number of NGOs. They include, for example, the United Christian Nethersole Community Health Service, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, Haven of Hope Christian Service, Hong Kong Christian Service, Christian Family Service Centre, Yan Oi Tong, Sik Sik Yuen, Caritas-Hong Kong, Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society and Ching Chung Taoist Association, etc. Apart from these organisations, Yan Chai Hospital, Pok Oi Hospital, the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions and the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, and others provide Chinese medical services. Two Chinese medicine clinics belonging to the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals offer members of the public free Chinese medicines subsidised by the Government.
In addition, many NGOs organise health promotion, educational and other healthcare related activities. Some NGOs also provide health assessment services for elderly people, and medical check-ups for women. The Hong Kong St. John Ambulance provides first aid training and services, while the Hong Kong Red Cross provides first aid training to promote first aid knowledge and skills. The Hong Kong Cancer Fund boosts public awareness of cancer and encourages people to undertake regular screening for certain cancers to minimise cancer risk.
Secondary, Tertiary and Specialised Healthcare Services
Secondary, tertiary and specialised healthcare services are provided mainly in hospitals and specialist clinics run by the Hospital Authority. At the end of 2010,
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