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Since we classify patients according to the nature rather than acuteness of their conditions, it is only possible to provide the total number of specialist consultation in the past three years. The relevant figures are 4,699,000 for 1993-94, 5,140,000 for 1994-95 and 5,539,000 for 1995-96 respectively.
Patients attending specialist clinics can be categorised into two main groups: new referrals and follow-up cases. All new referrals are screened by specialised nurses through a triage system to ensure that urgent cases can be treated without delay. For a majority of non-urgent patients, an appointment for medical consultation will be given to them within about 12 weeks.
Other cases requiring follow-up consultation will be given appointments at specified intervals based on individual patient's needs. Although some unstable patients would require more regular consultation to assess their response to treatment and progress of recovery, many patients can be seen at relatively longer intervals.
With the implementation of the computerised block appointment system and other measures to enhance productivity, we have been able to make significant reduction of the waiting time for specialist consultation despite an average increase in the attendance rate of over 10% per annum during the past three years. A number of refurbishment and redevelopment capital projects are also in the pipeline to improve the physical environment as well as the capacity of our specialist clinics to meet prevailing needs.
Government is still working towards achieving its target to reduce the average waiting time for first appointment at all specialist clinics to five weeks by the year 2000.
End
Computer courses in public secondary schools
Following is a question by the Hon Leung Yiu-chung and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council: