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Refresher Courses

Refresher courses given in specialty subjects were midwifery, neonatology and gynaecology,

Para-medical Staff

There were 50 student dispensers, 19 student dental technicians, 17 student medical laboratory technicians, 16 student physiotherapists, 5 student prosthetists and 19 student radiographers undergoing training in the respective fields. During the year, 9 student dispensers, 19 student medical laboratory technicians, 12 student physiotherapists and 16 student radiographers graduated.

Progress on Localisation

The Medical and Health Department puts due emphasis on localisation. Overseas recruitment is resorted to only if local expertise is not available. With the establishment of the Institute of Medical and Health Care at the Polytechnic and the Dental Therapist Training School at the MacLehose Dental Centre, the local supply of para-medical and para-dental staff will be greatly enhanced. The Dental School at the University of Hong Kong will ensure a continuous supply of local dentists from 1985 onwards.

MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT

(Table 79)

A White Paper titled "The Further Development of Medical and Health Services in Hong Kong" published in 1974 provides a blue print for the future development of the services in the next 10 years. Development is reviewed annually. A 10-year Medical Development Programme containing proposals for the further development of the services was published in 1979.

During the year, the 5-storey extension to Fanling Hospital was completed, providing a casualty unit, an x-ray unit, a family health service centre and staff quarters, Phase II of the extension will be completed by the end of 1980.

A 20-storey block to provide additional staff quarters for Queen Mary Hospital was completed in March 1980. And the Sai Kung Dispensary out-patient department was temporarily reprovisioned in Sai Kung Town in 1979.

There has been steady progress for projects already in the Public Works Programme. The South Kwai Chung Hospital with 1,336 psychiatric beds will be completed in 1980. Construction work for the 1,400-bed Shatin Hospital and Polyclinic is progressing. The Shatin Hospital will provide

teaching facilities for the Second Medical School to be established at the Chinese University, The Dental Teaching Hospital will be completed in 1981.

The Tuen Mun Hospital and the East Kowloon Hospital have been included in the Public Worka Programme, and are planned to serve West Now Territories and East Kowloon respectively. Together with other newly recommended projects, there will be 41 major building projects in the 10-year Medical Development Plan.

XI.

ACKNOWLEDGEV

I wish to pay tribute to all the staff who contributed to the efficient and effective functioning of the Department in the year under review. Though there had been pressure and difficulties, all performed their duties with devotion and dedication. I am most grateful to their unfailing support.

The Department acknowledge with thanks the assistance and cooperation given by other goverment departments, voluntary agencies, the press, the radio and television networks.

Many public apiritei persone have devoted their time and energy to serve on statutory boards, advisory committees, working parties, and in voluntary agencias dealing with the many aspects of medical and health services in Hong Kong. Their contributions are much appreciated.

Finally, I would like to record my appreciation for the contributions of private individuals as well as local and overseas organisations who have assisted the Department in providing facilities for those in need of medical care. It is hoped that they will contimae to contribute to the Medical Development Programe in the challenging years ahead. With mich sound support I am confident that the Department will contime to provide a good service.

EL. THÔNG

Director of Medical & Health Services

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