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The additional financial support available for both operators and residents to deal with any increased costs involved in enhancing the conditions in homes for the elderly should be adequate. But in the event that a home may need to be closed because the necessary improvements cannot be made at a reasonable cost, we are confident that we shall be able to find alternative places for any elderly persons who may be affected.

End/Wednesday, March 29, 1995

Emergency psychiatric service

Following is a question by Dr the Hon Huang Chen-ya and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Major disasters can precipitate many psychiatric illnesses, and emergency psychiatric service can effectively reduce such problems. In this connection, will the government inform this Council whether emergency psychiatric service is at present included in existing contingency plans in the event of a major disaster; if so, what kind of service will be made available; if not, when such service will be provided?

Reply:

Mr President,

Emergency psychiatric treatment is already available as part of the services provided by public hospitals to cater for major disasters or emergencies. In a major disaster, victims and their families exhibiting emotional problems will be conveyed to hospitals, where Medical Social Works will be mobilised to provide, inter alia, emotional support to them. In-patient psychiatric service, consultation and counselling by medical specialists will be arranged where necessary. Case workers from the Social Welfare Department will follow up victims to help them recover from the aftermath of the trauma. Long-term patients will be referred to specialist out-patient clinics and psychiatric day hospitals or mental hospitals for treatment.

End/Wednesday, March 29, 1995