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326. In addition to this major institution, a number of other projects were undertaken during the year by the Directors. At the Tung Wah Eastern Hospital additional quarters were made available for the accom- modation of doctors and of nurses. The construction was started in June. 1963, and the premises were opened by the Hon. Fung Ping-fan, O.B.E. on 5th March, 1964. Site formation work was completed and construction commenced on the first stage of the Wong Tai Sin Infirmary; this institution, designed to accommodate 210 chronic and disabled patients, was made possible by a generous donation from the Australian World Refugee Year Fund and the foundation stone of the building was laid on the 25th March, 1963, by Mг. C. R. McKERIHAN, C.B.E., Treasurer of the Australian National Committee for World Refugee Year. The Directors also embarked on a further project at the Sandy Bay Infirmary designed to provide 270 beds; 70 of these will replace old hurted accom- modation for tuberculosis patients while the remaining 200 are to be used for the accommodation of convalescent patients from Queen Mary Hospital. The foundation stone for this building was laid on 23rd March, [964, by Mг, LEE Ju-cheung, C.B.E.
The Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital
327. This hospital provides 300 beds for general medical, surgical and obstetric cars and maintains a large out-patient department. The senior members of the medical staff are appointed by the London Mission- ary Society which also contributes annually towards the recurrent costs. 328. Although the demolition of the old cast wing and the nurses quarters was completed during the year, the estimates for the redevelop- ment programme were of such magnitude that the Hospital's Executive Committee decided to abandon this plan and to enter into negotiations with the committee of the proposed United Protestant Hospital. With the demolition of these sections, the dispensary, radiological department and the surgical operating theatres had to be rehoused, and were accom- modated in the remaining buildings, albeit under rather cramped cir-
curustances.
329. In spite of these difficulties, the hospital continued to provide low-cost in-patient care for the lower and middle income groups and in this field it meets a marked need.
Pok Of Hospital
330. Situated on the outskirts of Yuen Long in the New Territories. the Pok Of Hospital provides 118 beds for the treatment of medical and
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minor surgical illnesses that do not require specialist care. There are operating theatre, radiodiagnostic and laboratory facilities of a simple nature. It is managed by an Executive Committee consisting of six representatives of the Statutory Board of Directors and six representa- tives of Government under the chairmanship of the Deputy Director of Medical and Health Services. The Board of Directors provides char- itable services in the Chinese tradition and raised funds from voluntary sources for capital and recurrent costs. These are augmented by Govern- ment subvention on a deficiency grant basis. A Government Medical and Health Officer is seconded to the hospital as Medical Superintendent. 331. New staff quarters and a hospital kitchen were completed in September, 1963, and opened in November, and work continues on the construction of the out-patient department. During the year, the Directors submitted a plan for the construction of a three-storey building to replace the present overcrowded and inadequate maternity and children's wards; however, the foundations of this building will be such that further calen- sions will be possible should need for expansion of the hospital's services arise in the future.
Hei Ling Chau Leprosarium
332. Maintained with the aid of a substantial recurrent subvention from Government by the Mission to Lepers, Hong Kong Auxiliary, on an island six miles from Hong Kong, the leprosarium contains accom- modation for up to 540 leprosy patients. The Maxwell Memorial Medical Centre provides 50 beds for the care of patients undergoing reconstructive surgery of suffering from intercurrent disease and a further 15 beds for male patients with tuberculosis. Facilities are also provided for physio- therapy and occupational therapy.
333. The island suffered severely from the drought experienced during the year. The reservoir was exhausted prior to the light summer rains and water had to be transported by boat to the island from 30th May to 25th November, when reliance was once again placed on the reservoir alone. However, the shipments had to be recommenced on 10th March, 1964. By the end of the year under review proposals were well in band to connect the island to the Shek Pik underwater main running from Lan Tau Island to Hong Kong Island.
334. During 1963 a submarine cable to carry electricity from Lan Tau Island was laid and all work was completed by 20th September. The provision of a 24-hour mains electricity supply has proved most valuable to the island's work.
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