XN000022-1995-05-24 — Page 58

(a)

(b)

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attendance at the accident and emergency departments of public hospitals on general holidays was higher than that on normal weekdays during the first four months of this year; if so, whether this has resulted in additional pressure on the accident and emergency services of the hospitals; and

it will consider providing limited out-patient services in public hospitals during extended holidays?

Reply:

Mr President,

A recent survey conducted by the Hospital Authority during the Easter Holidays (from 14th to 17th April) revealed an increase of 23.5% in accident and emergency attendance over the normal daily average. The increase is attributable to the partial opening of general clinics operated by the Department of Health as well as the closure of some private clinics during public or extended holidays.

In order to ensure that patients requiring emergency care will receive prompt medical treatment, a triage system has been introduced in public hospitals whereby experienced and specially trained nurses will categorise patients according to the severity and nature of their medical conditions and give priority to urgent cases. It is coping well with the demand.

At present, the Department of Health provides general out-patient services on Sundays and some public or extended holidays in eight of its clinics. Only one out of all clinic sessions during the Lunar New Year and Easter Holidays this year was full. In view of the current utilisation rate, government has no intention to further external out-patient services during extended holidays.

However, we will closely monitor the situation.

End/Wednesday, May 24, 1995