ENG-1993 — Page 193

HEALTH

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Primary Health Care

Primary health care, which emphasises the promotion of general health and prevention of disease, is recognised worldwide as the most cost-effective means to provide health care services.

The Working Party on Primary Health Care, whose report was endorsed by the government in 1991, made 102 recommendations to improve primary health care services. The key recommendations are being implemented in phases. These include improvements to over 50 general out-patient clinics, the establishment of a well-woman clinic and preventive health programmes for the elderly. A feasibility study for a Clinic Operations Support System, which looked into improvement of the health information system and computerisation of the department's general out-patient clinics, was completed in 1993.

Training in family medicine is a priority area for improvement. Vocational training opportunities were offered in training centres, universities and hospitals. A series of lectures and clinical attachments were arranged for doctors keen to improve the quality of their service by participating in continuing medical education activities.

District Health System

The District Health System, an organisational framework for the delivery of primary health care services, involves the decentralisation of services from the regional to the district level, and public involvement in service planning and health promotion. It attaches - importance to the need for efficient co-ordination among the various providers of medical

and health services and community participation.

-A pilot District Health System programme was initiated in 1992 in Kwun Tong. The six government health institutions in the district were organised into a network for better co-ordination and were administered by a multi-disciplinary district management committee with wide clinic representation. To facilitate co-ordination among the health institutions, other community service providers and the public, a multi-sectoral district health committee was set up with members drawn from the health and other sectors. Its functions include provision of a forum for information exchange and enhancing the role of the community in the identification of health needs.

During 1993, a Healthy Lifestyle campaign was launched at Telford Gardens. A pilot scheme was introduced with the district hospital on joint care for diabetic patients to enhance the interface between primary care and secondary care and to provide better continuity of care for chronic disease patients. A patient liaison group was established to facilitate communications with clinic customers, who also assisted in monitoring the performance pledge of clinics. Another pilot scheme to train volunteers for the district-based diabetic support group involving multi-sectoral collaboration was initiated and is being implemented in phases. Progress towards integration of the general out-patient service and the family health service within the district was made. At the end of the year, an evaluation of the pilot programme was underway.

Hospitals and Development Programmes

Public hospitals provide low-charge services which are easily accessible to the community.

During the year, the demand for hospital services remained high, as reflected by the large number of hospital admissions, and attendances at out-patient and specialist clinics, and accident and emergency departments.