ENG-1995 — Page 196

HEALTH

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and emergency departments of major public hospitals saw 1912 300 attendances — or 5 240 per day.

Projects in the hospital development programme progressed satisfactorily. Tuen Mun Hospital, which opened in 1990, had 1 420 beds available at the end of the year. When in full operation, the hospital will provide 1 606 beds. The Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, which opened in 1993, had 1 180 beds and will eventually have 1 620.

The Geriatric Day Hospital at Wong Tai Sin Hospital was completed in February and the Wong Chuk Hang Complex for the Elderly was completed in March, providing 200 beds for the care of infirmary patients. The territory's first cancer centre was completed in June at the Prince of Wales Hospital to conduct multi- disciplinary cancer research, diagnosis, treatment, counselling and public education. The Bradbury Hospice in Sha Tin, which provides 26 beds for hospice care, was incorporated into the management of the authority in April.

New or additional services are being progressively introduced at Tuen Mun Hospital, the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Ruttonjee Hospital and Yan Chai Hospital. Major projects in hand include construction of the Tai Po Infirmary and Convalescent Hospital, the 618-bed North District Hospital and relocation of Nethersole Hospital to Tai Po. Haven of Hope Hospital and Castle Peak Hospital are being redeveloped, while extension or refurbishment are under way at the United Christian, Queen Elisabeth, Princess Margaret and Kwong Wah hospitals. The Tseung Kwan O Hospital is at an advanced stage of planning.

Primary Health Care

Primary health care, which emphasises the promotion of general health and prevention of disease, is recognised world-wide as the most cost-effective way to provide health care services. Intense efforts are ongoing to implement the 102 recommendations in the report of the Working Party on Primary Health Care, endorsed by the government in 1991.

District Health System

The District Health System delivers primary health care services. It emphasises the need for efficient co-ordination among the various providers of medical and health services. The setting up of district health committees, with members drawn from other health care and community service providers and the public, provides a forum for community participation in service planning and health promotion.

Clinics

The Department of Health operates 59 general out-patient clinics, providing afford- able care to the public. Mobile dispensaries, floating clinics and a flying doctor service cater to residents of remote areas and outlying islands. The department also operates 17 tuberculosis and chest clinics, 11 social hygiene clinics, five dermatology clinics, five clinical genetic clinics and four child assessment centres. Total attendance in 1995 was 10.8 million.

Private-sector services are provided by medical practitioners under the Estate Doctors' Association, who run clinics in housing estates to offer a low-cost service for residents; medical practitioners in private practice; 84 clinics operated by various