The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson today (December 23) announced that the general out-patient clinic (GOPC) service has been enhanced in order to cope with the service needs from members of the public and to alleviate the service pressure on Accident & Emergency Departments (A&Es) during the Christmas long holidays. A total of 18 general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) will provide public holiday GOPC services during the Christmas holidays (December 25 and 26) (see attachment). Patients may book an appointment either through the telephone appointment system or the "Book GOPC" function of the "HA Go" mobile app.

The spokesperson reminded members of the public that the weather has been cold in recent days and increased activity in influenza and some respiratory pathogens is observed. They should keep warm as well as stay vigilant to personal and environmental hygiene during the public holiday to avoid spreading diseases. Members of the public who develop respiratory symptoms should wear a mask and seek medical advice promptly. The HA appeals to non-emergency patients to avoid using A&E services and seek treatment at GOPCs, private doctors or 24-hour outpatient services at private hospitals to reduce pressure on public hospital A&Es. Members of the public can visit the Health Bureau's (HHB) Primary Care Directory to choose a family doctor and view related clinic service information. The HHB has also collated information of private hospitals, healthcare facilities, family doctors and Chinese medicine clinics that will be in operation during the 2024 Christmas holidays across the city. The information (including addresses, phone numbers and operation hours) of the relevant hospitals and clinics has been uploaded to the online portal for public reference in collaboration with the Spatial Data Office of the Development Bureau and the Lands Department.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson appeals to members of the public, especially high-risk groups, to get vaccinated early for seasonal influenza and COVID-19 to reduce the chance of infection for themselves and their family members, as well as to reduce critical cases and deaths.  Members of the public may find details on the Centre for Health Protection COVID-19 Vaccination Programme website and the Vaccination Schemes website.

Moreover, Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) located in the 18 districts will enhance Government Subsidised Chinese Medicine Services on December 24, 27 and 28. Patients may make an appointment either by telephone during service hours or through the "18 CM Clinics" mobile app (applicable to patients who have registered for 18 CMCTRs service). Please refer to the most updated information on Chinese medicine services on the HA CMK website.