XN000022-1996-12-18 — Page 56

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42.

The Hospital Authority has formulated a set of guidelines for the handling of incoming calls to the 24-hour psychiatric hotline. Callers seeking general information are normally advised on the spot. Callers who require other more specific assistance are provided with details about the appropriate service agencies or referred to public hospitals and specialist out-patient clinics for management.

Mental health services currently provided by the Hospital Authority, including the psychiatric hotline, are promoted through territory-wide publicity campaigns such as the Mental Health Month, information pamphlets and periodic broadcasts or announcements of public interest in the electronic media. The Authority will also liaise regularly with the relevant government departments to assess the need for enhancement to its psychiatric services.

End

Housing Department to speed up recruitment process

Following is a question by the Hon David Li and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

It is learnt that the Housing Department is facing a severe staff shortage problem, with more than 500 posts remaining vacant despite strenuous efforts made to fill them. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of:

(a)

the breakdown of the vacancies by grade;

(b)

the causes of a large number of vacancies in the Department; and

(c)

the measures which will be taken by the Department to resolve the staff shortage problem?

Answer:

Mr President,

(a)

As at 1 December 1996, the number of vacancies in the Housing Department was 440, or nearly 3% of total establishment. A breakdown by grades is as follows: