The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson today (April 29) announced that 14 general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) will provide public holiday GOPC services during Labour Day (May 1) and the Birthday of the Buddha (May 5) (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 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 Labour Day and the Birthday of the Buddha 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 to provide stable patients with flexibility in choosing alternative medical institutions. Patients waiting for doctor consultations 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.