TNAG-1610-FCO40-22132-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1987 — Page 97

45

In doing so,

however, we

we can to meet these demands.

are inevitably constrained by the long lead time necessary to build and equip hospitals and to provide the

trained staff to operate them. In addition in Hong Kong

as elsewhere, the cost of providing health services is

increasing very rapidly :

this may lead to difficult

decisions on priorities in future years.

91.

The problems we face in our hospitals were highlighted in the Consultants' Report on the Delivery of

Medical Services in Hospitals. So too were longer-term

concerns about the effective use of resources and the

problems associated with the management of large hospitals. Having carefully considered the Consultants' Report and public reactions to it, the Government have now decided in principle to set up a statutory Hospital

Authority, with regional committees, to oversee the delivery of medical services in all government

subvented hospitals.

and

new

This means a completely

our hospitals. It will

of responsibility and

organisational structure for

provide a clearer line

accountability; enhanced flexibility to meet special needs; and more public participation in decision making A provisional Hospital Authority will be

and evaluation.

formed in April

1988 to oversee the legislative and

/administrative