Reply:
(b)
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the public hospitals which are currently providing medical services to residents in Tseung Kwan O, together with the number of beds in each of these hospitals and their respective occupancy rates; and whether there is spare capacity in each of these hospitals to meet the extra demand for medical services from residents in Tseung Kwan O?
The construction of Tseung Kwan O Hospital is on schedule for completion in mid-1999. We expect the commissioning programme to start in phases from December 1999. Total population to be served by the hospital is expected to be 300,000 by the year 2000.
In line with our increasing emphasis on ambulatory care, the design of Tsueng Kwan O Hospital has taken into account the demographic profile of its target population and will provide 450 beds together with advanced day treatment facilities supported by application of modern technology to reduce the need for admission. At present, the residents in Tseung Kwan O are being served by United Christian Hospital with 871 beds and an average occupancy rate of 87%, as well as Haven of Hope Hospital with 257 beds and an average occupancy rate of 88% located in the vicinity. As is the case, some residents may prefer to seek treatment from other public hospitals in the territory.
To cope with the increasing demand arising from projected population growth, both United Christian Hospital and Haven of Hope Hospital are undergoing major redevelopment works to expand the scope of their services. Upon completion, the former will provide 1,337 beds by 2000/01 and the latter 302 beds by 1997/98. Taken together with the new Tsueng Kwan O Hospital, these facilities should be able to provide a satisfactory level of medical care for the local community.
End