The new Wong Shiu Ching Clinic situated in the heart of Tai Po New Town was opened, and provides a wide range of medical services to people in the area.
During the year, construction works on Tuen Mun Hospital, Queen Mary Hospital and a hospital in Chai Wan all progressed smoothly.
The Institute of Medical and Health Care at the Hong Kong Polytechnic provide training for para-medical and para-dental staff including radiographers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical laboratory technicians, dental technicians and dental surgery assistants. In-service training courses are also available for students for prosthetists, dispensers, radiographers (therapeutics) and mould laboratory technicians.
VIII Training
Graduates of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong are awarded Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees recognised by the General Medical Council of Great Britain. Both the Government and the university maintain a comprehensive post-graduate training programme. Opportunities are available for local doctors to sit for higher professional examinations and attend professional conferences, seminars and workshops. During the year, 145 doctors were sent overseas under Government sponsorship or other scholarships to receive further training.
The University of Hong Kong produces about 150 doctors a year, whereas the Chinese University has an annual intake of 120 medical students and will produce its first graduates next year.
Nurses are the major front-line workers in the provision of health care service, the establishment has grown to over 9 800 in early 1985. Basic training for general registered nurses is available at Covernment, Government-assisted and private hospitals. In early 1985, eight such training schools were in operation with an average annual training capacity of about 1 050 nurses a year. A further three general registered nurse training schools providing over 360 additional training posts are planned for in the coming decade. Over the same period, the average annual training capacity for general enrolled nurses will increase from 570 to 730.
Training in dentistry is available in the Prince Philip Dental Hospital which produced the first batch of 59 graduates in January 1985. The Tang Shiu Kin Dental Therapists Training School also offers a 3-year training programme for Student Dental Therapists.
Training schools for registered psychiatric nurses are at Kwai Chung Hospital and Castle Peak Hospital, with an average annual training capacity of 120 and 40 respectively. Psychiatric enrolled nurses are trained at Castle Peak Hospital which has an average annual training capacity of about 60 nurses a year, to be further increased to 80 in 1986.
There is increasing awareness on the need for continuing training and education for nurses. The post-basic school of the Nursing Unit continues to provide a regular post registration courses în midwifery, health nursing, community health nursing. In-service training courses are also organised where appropriate in intensive-care, stoma-care, renal nursing, oncology and operating theatre.
TX Acknowledgement
I wish to pay tribute to all the staff who have contributed to the efficient and effective functioning of the Department in the year under review. Though there have been pressures and difficulties, all performed their duties with devotion and dedication. I am most grateful for their unfailing support,
The Department acknowledges with thanks the assistance and co- operation given by other Government departments, voluntary agencies, the press, the radio and television networks.
Many public spirited persons have devoted their time and energy to serve on statutory boards, advisory committees, working parties and in voluntary agencies 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 continue to contribute to the Medical Development Programme in the challenging years ahead. With such sound support, I am confident that the Department will continue to provide a good service.
(K L THONO)
Director of Medical & Health Services
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