X1000306-1988-89_Part01 — Page 11

In parallel with the hospital facilities are psychiatric centres, which provide a wide range of out-patient treatment, assessment, counselling and after-care services on a regional basis. The centres also operate day hospital places and provide other social, occupational and recreational therapy services for the mentally-ill,

In 1988, there were 301 admissions to the psychiatric hospitals and units, 700 to the various day hospitals and 251 861 attendances at the psychiatric out-patient clinics. Medical staff were hard pressed by the increasing number of medical boards, and of referrals from courts, probation officers and police as well as assessment for disability allowance and the compensation boards for evaluating emotional damages in victims of violent crimes. Clinical psychologists of the Mental Health Service conducted a total of 14 116 interviews which entailed assessment and therapeutic functions,

Pursuing the practice of community psychiatry and adopting the multidisciplinary team approach in patient management, special emphasis is placed on the after-care of discharged mental patients during their integration back into the community. The Community Psychiatric Nursing Service, established since 1982, provides continuity in after-care treatment programmes to mentally-ill patients discharged from the psychiatric hospitals and units, and the out-patients of the psychiatric clinics. Other complementary rehabilitative supporting services include after-care social service, placement service, half-way houses, long-stay care homes, social clubs, and are organised by the various voluntary agencies. Through the Rehabilitation Development Co-ordinating Committee these services are closely monitored and co-ordinated.

Severely mentally handicapped persons requiring intensive nursing care and medical treatment are being cared for in Siu Lam Hospital with 200 beds and the Caritas Medical Centre with 300 beds. In order to meet the

great demand in this area, a further provision of 704 beds in this category have been included in the Medical Development Programme.

Physiotherapy-Service

Physiotherapy is being provided for patients in acute and convalescent hospitals, in out-patient clinics, rehabilitation centres, maternity hospitals, geriatric day hospitals as well as psychiatric hospitals. It aims to promote early rehabilitation of the disabled and elderly and hasten the recovery of the sick.

In 1988, a total of 264 021 patients were treated and 1 303 009 attendances recorded. With the heavy demand and the anticipated rapid expansion of the service, the planned intake for physiotherapists in the Hong Kong Polytechnic has been increased to 80 since 1983.

Occupational-Therapy-Service

Occupational Therapy Service aims at the restoration of function and ability for those affected by physical or mentally disabling conditions. These people undergo supervised activities that can assist in their re-integration into the community. In the year 1988/89, domiciliary occupational therapy has become an integral part of the existing occupational therapy service.

In 1988, 40 195 patients were treated with 1 246 593 attendances and 3 196 home visits recorded.

Presthetic-Orthetic-Service

Prosthetic & Orthotic Services are required for the treatment of patients with physical disability caused by disease or injury. These people are fitted and supplied with various prosthetic and orthotic appliances designed to restore wholly or partly their bodily functions and/or appearance.

In 1988, a total of 23 202 patients were treated and 59 490 attendances were recorded.

Community-Nursing-Service

The Community Nursing Service extends continuing care to patients discharged from hospitals after suffering from acute illness and provides domiciliary medical care and support for the sick, disabled and the elderly in their own homes. The services are delivered by community nurses and include skilled nursing care, supportive mobility and physiotherapy exercises as well as health educational advice. The nurses encourage patients, with the help of their families, to participate in their own treatment and rehabilitation through supportive care and health teaching, thus assisting in the prevention of relapse.

Jointly operated by eight agencies including the Medical and Health Department, the service is regionally based, with domiciliary service provided through a network of 48 hospital stations and satellite

During the year, 12 369 patients were treated by community nurses and 232 003 home visits were made.

centres.

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