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Wednesday, October 18, 1972
The general pattern throughout the world is to integrate leprosy
treatment into normal medical services, as it is now thought that admission
of patients into a leprosarium, as distinct from a general hospital, makes
subsequent rehabilitation and integration into the community more difficult.
The leprosarium at Hei Ling Chau became operational on August 6,
1951, with the arrival of the first group of patients,
1964, it was fully occupied, with a waiting list.
Between 1958 and
Originally planned for 540 patients, Hei Ling Chau is presently
housing fewer than 180, in accordance with plans for its gradual phasing out.
By 1974, it is estimated that fewer than 80 patients will still be
needing continued institutional care, and others only out-patient service.
For the 80, the Medical and Health Department plans to make available
a special unit in the infectious diseases block of the new Princess Margaret
Hospital in Lai Chi Kok, which is expected to be opened in 1974. There will be
ample facilities for separating patients with different types of infection.
Note to Editors:
You are invited to attend a Press conference
at the Medical and Health Department headquarters at 2.30 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday (October 19) when
Dr. Browne will be available to answer questions.
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