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Finally, Mr President, although not domain to this motion, let me thank Honourable Members for the good wishes they have extended on my forthcoming trip to Beijing. Far from my spirit being affected, I can assure Mr Eric Li that I'll set off in good cheer and I look forward to good progress in my discussion with Mr Lu Ping,
Thank you, Mr President.
End
Wide range of services available to chronically ill patients
Chronically ill patients who are requiring regular medical assessment and treatment from both the private or the public sector are provided with a wide scope of services from medical care, health education and financial assistance to supporting services from voluntary agencies.
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This was stated by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, at the motion debate on chronically ill persons moved by the Hon Mok Ying-fan at the Legislative Council today (Wednesday).
Mrs Fok told the Council that all the general clinics operated by the Department of Health provided a full range of preventive and curative services, including specialist treatment if necessary, to these patients.
"Our new unit medical record system which allows for the systematic storage and retrieval of clinical information, complemented by an appointment system providing for the advanced booking of follow-up consultations, has also served in many ways to enhance the continuity of care for chronically ill patients," she added.
Chronically ill patients also receive health education and counselling through group health talks and video shows on a variety of different topics. Those suffering from the same illness are encouraged to form patient groups to facilitate experience sharing and mutual support.
In addition, the Hospital Authority has set up two additional rehabilitation co- ordination teams and four additional specialist medical teams to provide outreach services as well as eight patients and carers resource centres to promote the concept of self-help.
Apart from infrastructural support, self-help groups may apply for grants from the Health Services Research Fund or the Health Care and Promotion Fund to implement projects aimed at promoting the welfare of chronically ill patients.