1. Gov.
Desf. 32 cond. (Ref. 2 on 54147/49)
Mr. Robison
Dr. Buchanan
17-2-49
2
2.
(q.v. Moninkes)
Mr. Wallace is on leave, but, in order not to delay consideration of No. 1, I am circulating to the Education and Medical Advisers for joint consideration, in the first instance, of this proposal that the Tung Wah Hospital should be developed into an effective teaching hospital in connection with the Hong Kong University. In this connection please see paragraphs 50-56 of the University Advisory Committee Report (copy attached opposite for reference), which deals with the faculty of medicine. paragraph 51 it appears that, at present, the Queen Mary Hospital is the chief teaching hospital for University students. The reasons for making the change are explained lows in annexure 2 to No. 1. I also sinesin circulate
From
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the general papers about the rehabilitation of the University, containing several requests for C.D. and W. assistance, including this one of £50,000. The financial aspects can be considered more generally, in connection with that paper also, on Mr. Wallace's return.
I should be grateful if this file could be returned to Mr. Wallace with your agreed observations please.
17.3.1949.
On a matter of general principle the proposal to expand the Tung Wah Eastern Hospital and adapt it for use as a teaching hospital is sound. The general lines on which the expansion is based is also in keeping with its proposed new function. It is apparent that in addition to creating teaching facilities the alteration will tend to raise the standard of medical and surgical care in the institution.
It is obvious from the figures, quoted in the report of the University Comites that unless increased clinical teaching facilities are provided it will not be possible for the Medical Faculty to maintain the present standard of the qualification and, subject to the limitation of finance, there seems to be no other way out. On thes necessity for clinical facilities I commend the scheme.
It is hardly possible to comment in any detail on the structural alteration but the scheme outlined on the plans seems workable. One point which is not clear is how the basement is to be adapted as an Out Patient Department, a most important feature from the teaching point of view, but the general principles as discussed in the papers indicate that it is wholly practicable. One never likes building upwards on an occupied hospital for obvious reasons, but limitations of
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