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Construction work on the Queen Mary Hospital Extension Stage II is expected to be completed in 1989. There will be an addition of 844 beds and some new psychiatric and paediatric facilities.

Other projects in the pipeline include further extension to the Caritas Medical Centre, United Christian Hospital, Yan chai Hospital, Pok Oi Hospital, Duchess of Kent Hospital, and Tung Wah Eastern Hospital. The Government has also approved funds for extensive redevelopment works to turn the Ruttonjee Sanatorium in Wan Chai from an institution for chest and tuberculosis patients into a general hospital. The 280 bed sanatorium will be upgraded into a 614 bed hospital.

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, and the Chinese University has increased the annual intake of medical students to 140 with effect from 1986 when the first batch of medical students graduates.

Nurses are the major front-line workers in the provision of health care service, and the establishment has grown to about 10 860 in early 1987. Basic training for general registered nurses is available at Government, Government-assisted and private hospitals. In early 1987, eight such training schools were in operation with an average annual training capacity of about 1 070 nurses a year. A further three general registered nurse training schools providing about 330 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 $50 to 670.

Training in dentistry is available in the Prince Philip Dental Hospital which produced the third batch of about 70 graduates in January 1987. 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. New schools for registered psychiatric nurses are being planned in United Christian Hospital and Eastern District Hospital scheduled for intake in 1988 and 1991 respectively. The former has an annual intake capacity of 40, the latter will take in 45 student in 1991 and 135 from 1992 onwards. 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 1988. A new school is being planned in the United Christian Hospital which will have an annual intake capacity of 20 with its first intake in 1991. An extra class of 40 students will also be run in the new school in Castle Peak Hospital on the top of two classes a year originally planned. This class will take in psychiatric Student Nurses or Pupil Nurses for training, according to the need.

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 regular post-registration courses in 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.

The Institute of Medical and Health Care at the Hong Kong Polytechnic provides training for para-medical and para-dental staff including radiographers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical laboratory technicians and dental technicians. In-service training courses are also available for students for prosthetists, dispensers, radiographers (therapeutics), mould laboratory technicians and dental therapist.

IX

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.

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