(a)
(b)
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of the mechanism and criteria adopted by the Hospital Authority for determining the creation of Consultant posts; and
through what mechanism are Consultants promoted from D2 of the Directorate Pay Scale to D3 or above; who take part in the decision- making process in the promotion of Consultants; and whether there are independent persons such as Members of the Hospital Authority playing a monitoring role in the promotion process?
Reply:
Creation of new consultant posts is required to meet operational needs arising from the commissioning of hospital development projects and introduction of service improvement programmes. All these proposals and the associated staff mix will first be examined by the Hospital Governing Committees concerned. The cost and benefit of these proposals are also submitted to the Hospital Authority Board for endorsement. The Head Office will further scrutinise the justifications for the actual creations of
posts.
The annual promotion exercise for consultant doctors is conducted by a special selection board chaired by the Chief Executive and attended by two members of the Hospital Authority Board. Vacancies are open to applicants from all public hospitals who will be shortlisted for interview by the selection board. Suitability for promotion will be assessed drawing reference from the track record of performance as well as achievements in clinical practice, staff development, quality improvement and management reforms.
End