HA activates Service Demand Surge Measures
22.12.2023 16:30
The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson today (December 22) announced that the HA has activated service demand surge special measures to cope with the increasing service demand due to cold weather and Christmas long holiday. The HA anticipates that the service demand in public hospitals will continue to rise in coming weeks. The HA will closely monitor various statistics and situation.
The HA spokesperson said, “Public hospitals have implemented a series of measures, including increasing manpower, opening temporary beds and mobilising hospital beds flexibly to cope with the increasing service demand for Accident & Emergency (A&E) Departments and inpatient services, to enhance laboratory services for influenza and COVID-19 tests. Ward rounds of senior clinicians will also be increased in evenings, weekends and holidays. The HA will also facilitate patient admissions, transfers and discharges so as to provide timely and appropriate treatment for patients and vacate hospital beds to admit patients as far as practicable.”
The weather has been cold in recent days and increased activity in influenza and some respiratory pathogens such as COVID-19 is observed. The general out-patient clinic (GOPC) service has been enhanced, in order to cope with increasing service need from members of the public and to alleviate the service pressure on A&E Departments during long holiday. A total of 18 GOPCs (see Appendix) will provide public holiday GOPC service during the Christmas holidays. Patients may book an appointment either through the telephone appointment system or the "Book GOPC" function of the "HA Go" mobile app.
The spokesperson urges non-urgent patients to avoid attending A&E Departments. They are advised to attend GOPCs, private doctors or the 24-hour clinics of private hospitals as far as practicable. To choose a suitable family doctor and related clinic service, members of the public can browse the Primary Care Directory of the Health Bureau.
Meanwhile, the HA also appeals to members of the public to get vaccinated early for seasonal influenza and COVID-19, especially high-risk groups, to reduce the chance of getting infected for themselves and their family members, as well as to reduce critical cases and deaths. Members of the public may find details at the Centre for Health Protection COVID-19 Vaccination Programme website and the Vaccination Schemes website.
The HA will closely monitor the situation and flexibly deploy resources and manpower when necessary, and will keep increasing its service volume, in order to provide appropriate services for patients.