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Similarly, the HA has advised all hospitals to initiate concerted action to support the Charter by contributing to the world-wide effort of curbing the spread of HIV, educating and enhancing staff awareness on HIV/AIDS and encouraging the adoption of a non-discriminatory policy in the workplace setting.

A half-day seminar for all Hospital Chief Executives and senior management staff in HA hospitals was held in November 1995. In the seminar, senior executives were briefed on the projected trend of the AIDS epidemic in Hong Kong and current policy on the provision of clinical service for AIDS patients, staff with occupationally acquired HIV infection and the employment of HIV-infected health care workers. The implications of the Charter, particularly with regard to HIV/AIDS and the workplace as well as safeguarding the rights of HIV/AIDS patients and preventing discrimination, was also covered in the seminar.

Appropriate infection control measures have been implemented in all HA hospitals as an insurance against HIV/AIDS disruption in the workplace.

Both Government and the HA are promulgating a "non-discriminatory policy on AIDS" in the workplace.

Both Government and the HA recognise that AIDS education is an on- going process. Within Government, departments have been asked to arrange workshops/seminars for their staff on a regular and continuous basis, having regard to resources available. In addition, educational materials such as posters and pamphlets will be issued to departments to enhance AIDS awareness and to discourage discrimination in the workplace.

As for the HA, apart from the ongoing professional and vocational training of health care professionals on HIV/AIDS, a series of education programmes will be organised for all hospital staff to ensure the commitments stipulated in the Charter are met.