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In-service training courses were given on specialty subjects including orthopaedic nursing, paediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, nursing management of surgical and medical emergencies, midwifery, counselling, management studies and methods of instruction.

Radiographers

14 student radiographers passed the examination leading to the Diploma of the Society of Radiographers for Radiodiagnosis and one passed the Higher Diploma of the Society of Radiographers.

Physiotherapists

In October, 12 new students were enrolled, making a total of 49 students in the school.

I. MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT

(Table 81 )

The policy white paper "The Further Development of Medical and Health Services in Hong Kong", which was endorsed by the Legislative Council in August, 1974, serves as the blue print for the expansion of medical and health services for the next ten years, The first review of the medical programme plan by the Medical Development Advisory Committee was completed in 1976.

A major re-organisation of the medical and health services will be introduced out in April 1977 to make more efficient use of the beds and facilities available. This is to be done by regionalising the gervices, with the whole of Hong Kong divided into four regions. The objective is to bring about a better appreciation of the medical and health needs of each of the main population centres so that medical services can be made available within reasonable access of the residents in the area. Future planning is to be better related to the needs of each area,

A Green Paper on the further development of rehabilitation services in Hong Kong over the next ten years was published in October 1976. After consideration of the various public comments, the Government will later issue a Whitle Paper on the future expansion of the rehabilitation services.

Projects Completed

In the Castle Peak Hospital, construction works to provide additional clinic facilities, an enlarged occupational therapy area, and improvement on several existing facilities were completed in March 1977. This helps relieve to some extent the present strain on treatment and service facilities at this major mental institution.

Other projects completed during the year include Sast Kowloon Polyclinic Stage I and an additional floar of the Arran Street Clinic.

The new Cheshire Howe at Chung Hom Kok was completed in February 1977, and provides some 90 non-acute beds for convalescent patients.

Projects under Construction

Major projecte under construction include the paychiatric wing of the Princess Margaret Hospital, extension to the Caritas Medical Centre, and additional staff quarters for the Queen Mary Hoapital.

II

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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