XN000022-1996-11-20 — Page 39

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Reply:

We are monitoring closely the impact of projected population growth on the provision of medical services in the New Territories West region, particularly in Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai where new residential developments are concentrated.

The Hospital Authority has established a mechanism to assess regularly the projected supply of and demand for public hospital beds in Hong Kong. A major review will be conducted after each population census and by-census, while a minor review will take place in between. The last major review was completed in 1992, leading to the construction of North District Hospital and Tsueng Kwan O Hospital, and the next exercise will be carried out once results of the 1995 by-census is known.

The opening of North District Hospital with 618 new beds in early 1998 will serve not only to strengthen the quality and scope of medical services for residents in this region, but also to improve the networking between Tuen Mun Hospital, Fanling Hospital and Pok Oi Hospital. In the longer term, we are working with the Hospital Authority on a proposal to redevelop Pok Oi Hospital with expanded facilities to meet the needs of the growing population.

Although the number of hospital beds can be regarded as a useful indicator, the optimal mode of service delivery is influenced by other factors such as demographic structure, disease pattern and development of medical technology. Prevalent use of day surgery and ambulatory care, for instance. has reduced the need for hospital admission in the interest of patient comfort, and led to a decreasing trend of hospital beds in many developed countries.

End

Measures to improve fire and ambulance services in NT

Following are a question by the Hon Zachary Wong Wai-yin and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, at the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

At present, many villages located in the remote parts of the New Territories do not have direct access roads for fire engines and ambulances in the event of an emergency, and this has resulted in rescue efforts being delayed. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: