The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson today (April 13) announced that the HA will activate service demand surge special measures tomorrow (April 14) to cope with the service need and to alleviate pressure on Accident & Emergency (A&E) Departments during Easter holidays (April 18 to April 21). 18 General Out-patient Clinics (GOPCs) will provide public holiday services (see attachment) in the period. Members of the public can make appointments through the telephone appointment system or the "Book GOPC" function in the "HA Go" mobile application.

The HA spokesperson reminds the public to stay vigilant to  personal and environmental hygiene during the holidays to avoid spreading diseases. Members of the public who develop respiratory symptoms should wear masks and seek medical advice promptly. Non-emergency patients should avoid using A&E services and instead 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 (HHB)'s Primary Care Directory. The HHB has also collated information of private hospitals, healthcare facilities, family doctors and Chinese medicine clinics that will be in operation during the Easter holiday across all 18 districts. In collaboration with the Development Bureau's Spatial Data Office and the Lands Department, the information (including addresses, phone numbers and operation hours) of the relevant hospitals and clinics have been uploaded to the online portal for public reference.

The HA will implement special refund arrangements in the A&Es again, starting from April 14, to provide stable patients with flexibility in choosing alternative medical institutions. Patients waiting for doctor consultation at A&Es who choose to seek medical advice at other medical facilities can request a refund of their A&E fees directly from duty staff at the registration counter. "HA Go" members can also submit applications through the mobile application. This arrangement only applies to patients who have not yet been seen by a doctor and must be requested within 24 hours of registration. Eligible applicants will receive refunds via mailed cheque, credit card, or electronic wallet within approximately one month.

Additionally, the Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) located in the 18 districts will enhance their services before and after the Easter holidays, with four CMCTRs will provide services during the Easter holidays (see attachment). Patients can make appointments either by phone during service hours or through the "18 CM Clinics" mobile app (applicable to patients who have registered for 18 CMCTRs service). The public can also visit the HA Chinese Medicine website for the latest information on Chinese Medicine services.