XN000022-1995-05-03 — Page 65

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Semi-private beds in government hospitals

The following is a question by the Hon Vincent Cheng Hoi-chuen and a written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Regarding the introduction of semi-private beds in the hospitals managed by the Hospital Authority, will the Administration inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

of the level of subsidy per bed provided by the Government for semi- private beds in hospitals under the Hospital Authority;

of the breakdown of costs for room, food, nursing, surgical fees, theatre/operation fees, drugs and dressings, laboratory charge, diagnostic tests for such beds; and

whether further pilot studies are being contemplated; if so, what are the details, including the location of the hospitals and the projected level of fees?

Reply:

The level of subsidy provided by Government for the 39 beds in two hospitals presently operating in the semi-private room pilot scheme is between 40 and 60 per cent. The daily maintenance fee for a semi-private room in Ruttonjee Hospital is $600 per day. For Tsan Yuk Hospital, it is $800 for a double room and $1,200 for a single room. The fee is inclusive of room charges, consultations, meals, drugs, medical investigations and treatment.

Since the level of medical treatment provided to all patients is identical, the operating cost for semi-private beds is essentially the same as for general ward beds, except for a marginal increase in meal and electricity charges as a result of better "hotel" services. The components of the operating cost are as follows:

(a)

medical services

(including the cost of medical

and nursing staff, depreciation on medical equipment and other related expenses)

70%