XN000022-1995-07-12 — Page 78

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Waiting time for first consultation in specialists' clinics

Following is a question by Dr the Hon Huang Chen-ya and a written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

·

what is the longest waiting time for a new patient to have his first consultation at each of the ear-nose-throat, dermatological and eye clinics under the management of the Hospital Authority (HA); and

what plans have been drawn up by the HA to improve the provision of such services?

Reply:

While ear-nose-throat clinics and eye clinics are managed by the Hospital Authority, dermatological clinics are operated by the Department of Health. The waiting time for first appointment at these clinics is provided below:

Longest Waiting Time for First Appointment

Average Waiting Time for First Appointment (Weeks)

Ear-nose-throat clinics Eye clinics

Dermatological clinics

(Weeks)

12

24

12

4

14.5

8

The above statistics should be interpreted against the growing public demand for specialist medical treatment and an increased number of total attendance in the past few years.

Reduction in waiting time has been achieved through immediate assessment to accord urgent cases with priority, introduction of a central telephone booking system to facilitate access by patients, offering patients the choice of obtaining earlier treatment in other less busy clinics, as well as planning and construction of new facilities to strengthen existing services.

End/Wednesday, July 12, 1995