07.02.2025 00:00
The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today(February 7) that in view of the sustained high level of daily first attendanceinstances at accident and emergency (A&E) departments in public hospitals,the service demand surge special measures will continue until further notice.During this period, the HA will continue to closely monitor the situation andmaneuverably arrange hospital beds, manpower and resources to meet theheightened demand while ensuring emergency services remain unaffected.
In response to the cold weather andincreased service demand at public hospitals during multiple long holidaysincluding Christmas and Chinese New Year, the HA activated service demand surgespecial measures on December 21, 2024, to cope with rising demand for hospitalservices especially A&E departments and inpatient services. The specialmeasures include enhanced manpower, bed capacity, and laboratory testingservices for influenza and other viruses; hospital command centresco-ordinating discharge procedures and supporting arrangements for admission,discharges and transfers to ensure patients receive timely and appropriatetreatment and enable beds to be available for new admissions; and specialrefund arrangements at A&E departments to provide stable patients with theflexibility to choose alternative medical institutions.
The HA spokesperson said, "Apart fromcold weather, there have been reports of influenza and other infectious diseaseoutbreaks at several popular travel destinations recently, and schools haveresumed after holidays. Hong Kong's influenza and other respiratory virusactivities are expected to remain active. Since entering the winter influenzaseason, public hospitals have seen attendance figures notably higher than thebaseline, with A&E department attendance reaching around 5 500 and medicalward admissions around 1 100. We urge patients with mild conditions to considerseeking treatment at general outpatient clinics, private doctors or 24-houroutpatient services at private hospitals to reduce pressure on public hospitalA&E departments."
The HA reminds members of the public toexercise extra caution when travelling during holidays, pay attention to theirphysical condition at all times, and wear masks in crowded places for enhancedprotection. People should also keep warm and stay vigilant regarding personaland environmental hygiene to prevent disease transmission. Those withrespiratory infection symptoms should wear masks and seek medical advicepromptly. Members of the public can visit the Health Bureau's Primary Care Directory to view relevant information on healthcare institutions.
The HA also appeals to members of thepublic to get vaccinated early for seasonal influenza and COVID-19, especiallyhigh-risk groups, to reduce the chance of infection for themselves and theirfamily members, as well as to reduce critical cases and deaths. For the latestinformation on vaccination programmes, members of the public may visit theCentre for Health Protection COVID-19 Vaccination Programme website and the Vaccination Schemes website.