X1000306-1974-75_Part01 — Page 11

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Radiographers

22 and 6 student radiographers passed the examination leading to the Diploma of the Society of Radiographers for diagnostic and therapy radiography respectively.

Physiotherapists

In July 1974 two physiotherapists returned from the United Kingdom after having qualified for the tutor physiotherapist grade. Iri October, 13 students graduated from the Physiotherapist Training School

· 9 for government and 4 for the private sector. 16 new students vere enrolled, making a total of 33 students in the school.

...

X.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

After the publication of the report of the Medical Development Advisory Committee, comments were received from various interested bodies. Government, having studied public reactions and opinion and in the light of competing claims on scarce resources, including staff, finance and land, incorporated final conclusions and recommendations into a policy white paper "The Further Development of Medical and Health Services in Hong Kong", which was endorsed by the Legislative Council in August, 1974. This white paper will serve as the blue print for the expansion of medical and health services for the next ten years. This plan will be carried forward and reviewed by the Medical Development Advisory Committee each year.

Projects under Construction

Major projects under construction included the combined staff quarters for the general and psychiatric wings of the Princess Margaret Hospital, Stage I of the Kowloon East Polyclinic, Stage II of the South Kwai Chung Jockey Club Polyclinic and the Tang Chi Ngong Specialist Clinic.

XI.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Department is responsible for administering services which provide medical and health care for the community of Hong Kong. In order to provide a satisfactory service, a staff of 14,304 of which 847 were medical staff of all grades and 5,223 were mursing staff, were needed in 1974.

I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation to the staff at all levels for their help in dealing with the many problems which the Department has had to face every day in the year under review. In spite of the fact that they often had to work under the pressure of difficult circumstances, they all carried out their duties effectively, with a true sense of devotion and dedication. I am grateful to them all for their unfailing support throughout the year.

The Department received every assistance and co-operation from other government departments, voluntary agencies, the Press, the radio and television networks. The patience shown by members of the public in spite of many unavoidable shortcomings is also deeply appreciated.

I also wish to thank the many public-spirited persons who devoted so much of their time in order to serve on statutory boards, advisory committees, working parties, and in voluntary agencies dealing with the many aspects of medical and health problems in Hong Kong.

Finally, thanks are also due for the contributions of private individuals, and local and overseas organisations vho assisted the Department in providing facilities for those in need of subsidized medical

care.

Director of Medical & Health Services