TNAG-0507-FCO40-572-Development-of-medical-and-health-services-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 74

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Annex A to XCC(74)52A

Chapter 6

SECURING A MORE EVEN USE OF HOSPITAL BEDS

6.1

The introduction of a regional approach to medical

and health services and the establishment of regional administrative

offices will make it possible to secure a more even use of the general

beds available in Government and Government-assisted hospitals.

6.2

While there is overcrowding in Government hospitals, the

occupancy rates in Government-assisted hospitals are generally lower

than is desirable. This involves an uneconomic use of expensive

resources. Not only should the fullest use be made of all beds and

equipment but, given the very high cost of acute beds in particular,

it is necessary to ensure that patients are treated with the level

of staff and facilities which are appropriate to their ailments. A

patient is in need of the more specialised facilities for only part

of his stay in hospital. Depending on the course of treatment required,

therefore, he should continue the remainder of his in-patient treatment

in a bed with appropriate but simpler services.

6.3

The maximum use of beds would mean that a patient should

usually first attend a general out-patient clinic, or a hospital

casualty department in case of an emergency. Where treatment can

be continued on an out-patient basis, but specialist attention is

required the patient would normally be referred to a specialist clinic

serving the region and within reasonable travelling distance of his

home.

If the doctor at a general or specialist clinic considers

that in-patient treatment is necessary, the patient will be referred

to a district hospital serving the region or to the regional hospital,

depending on the treatment required. Subsequently, when his condition

permits, he would be transferred to a non-acute bed for convalescence

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