- 36
-
Reply:
In view of the detailed figures being asked for, I thought it would be easier for members to refer to the tables in the written Annex to this answer which is laid before them today. The tables show the establishment, strength and vacancy of occupational therapists and physiotherapists in various sectors.
Moving now to the last part of the question, as Members may be aware, my Branch has set up a Working Group to address the shortage of clinical psychologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The Working Group comprises representatives from both the government and the non-governmental sectors and representatives of the relevant professional bodies in Hong Kong. The Working Group has completed its study of the situation regarding clinical psychologists and is now nearing completion of its study of physiotherapists.
It has become clear that we must increase the supply of these professions and take steps to facilitate their retention in the non-governmental sector. The package of proposals under consideration for physiotherapists includes the expansion of student places, a more balanced exposure between the health and welfare sectors for physiotherapy students in clinical placements, the creation of senior physiotherapist posts in non-governmental organisations, revised planning ratios, more flexible transfer arrangements for staff between the various sectors and the provision of scholarships for further training. Also under consideration is the feasibility and likely effectiveness of creating an allowance, such as an Extraneous Duties Allowance, for physiotherapists working in non-governmental organisations.
The Working Group is now examining all of these proposals and will soon finalise its recommendations on physiotherapists. We have begun the necessary detailed background research on occupational therapists and the Working Group will commence its study of this profession once the study on physiotherapists is completed. The measures needed to address problems faced by occupational therapists are likely to be similar to those we have so far drawn up for physiotherapists.
Page 50Page 51