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Government's role in meeting needs of vulnerable groups
Following is a question by the Hon Elizabeth Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legistative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Arising from the large numbers of deaths of old people, suspected to have been caused by hypothermia, over the Lunar New Year holiday period, will the Government- inform this Council whether it has conducted an investigation into the appropriateness of Government's action to meet the needs of the vulnerable groups in the recent cold spell experienced in the territory; if so, what is the outcome of the investigation; if not, why not?
Reply:
Hypothermia was not reported as the cause of death of any of the elderly people who died during the recent cold weather. Post mortems show that other underlying medical problems were the cause of death in these cases. The low temperatures may have contributed to exacerbating such medical problems.
The Government has reviewed the actions taken during this period to meet the needs of people vulnerable to such cold weather.
One of the most vulnerable groups were street-sleepers. In accordance with standing arrangements, the Home Affairs Department opened shelters for anybody who needed them. They were opened on a 24-hour basis and provided blankets, ground mats, mattresses, hot drinking water and hot meals. Staff also offered street sleepers transport to take them to the shelters. Social Welfare Department staff distributed blankets to street sleepers who were also given information regarding how to obtain further assistance if needed. All street sleepers have been offered alternative accommodation as a matter of policy. The Subventions and Lotteries Fund Advisory Committee is about to consider a request to start this month on outreaching multi- disciplinary team to encourage elderly street sleepers to accept housing and reintegration into society.
The other main vulnerable group was identified as elderly persons living alone. This group is vulnerable at all times and especially so in cold weather. In the recent cold spell, Social Welfare Department staff at District level contacted voluntary agencies providing services to the elderly and all local Government welfare offices to make a special effort to contact known elderly persons living alone to check that they were alright.