Principles

The Board acknowledges its responsibility for and commitment to corporate governance principles and recognises that the Authority’s stakeholders expect the highest standards of performance, accountability and ethical behaviour.

The following outlines the approach and practices of corporate governance of the Authority.

Hospital Authority Board

Under the HA Ordinance, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR appoints members to the Authority Board. The 2011-12 Board consisted of 27 members, including the Chairman. Details are listed in Appendix 1. Membership of the Authority comprises 23 non-public officers, three public officers and one principal officer (the HA Chief Executive). Apart from the principal officer, other members are not remunerated in capacity as Board members.

The Authority Board meets formally about 12 times a year and any other times as required. In 2011-12, it met 13 times and eight Board papers involving urgent matters were circulated for approval between meetings.

Board Committees

For optimal performance of roles and exercise of powers, the HA Board has established 11 functional committees: Audit Committee, Emergency Executive Committee, Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Human Resources Committee, Information Technology Services Governing Committee, Main Tender Board, Medical Services Development Committee, Public Complaints Committee, Staff Appeals Committee and Supporting Services Development Committee. Membership of the committees, their terms of reference and focus of work in 2011-12 are outlined in Appendix 3.

Hospital Governing Committees

To enhance community participation and governance of public hospitals in accordance with the HA Ordinance, 31 Hospital Governing Committees have been established in 38 hospitals and institutions. These committees are listed in Appendix 4. During the year, these committees received regular management reports from Hospital Chief Executives, monitored operational and financial performance of the hospitals, participated in human resources and procurement functions, as well as hospital and community partnership activities. In 2011-12, the 31 Hospital Governing Committees held a total of 126 meetings.

Regional Advisory Committees

In accordance with the HA Ordinance and to provide the Authority with advice on healthcare needs for specific regions of Hong Kong, the Authority has established three Regional Advisory Committees. These committees and their respective memberships are presented in Appendix 5. Each Regional Advisory Committee meets four times a year.

In 2011-12, one of the major focuses of the three Regional Advisory Committees was manpower planning and strategies for doctors and nurses. The Committees also deliberated on the HA’s new corporate initiatives and annual plan targets of individual clusters and gave advice on healthcare needs of local communities, particularly in respect of hospital redevelopment, recruitment of non-local doctors under limited registration, and enhancement of clinical services and mental health services.

Executive Management

The executive management team of the HA is outlined in Appendix 2(b). The executives are charged by the HA Board with the responsibility to manage and administer day-to-day business and operations of the Authority. To ensure that the management can discharge its duties in an effective and efficient manner, the HA Board has set out clear delegated authority, policies and codes of conduct. The Board also approves an annual plan prepared by the executives in accordance with the Board’s direction. Regular executive reports on the progress of agreed performance indicators and targets are presented to the Board.

Under the powers stipulated in the HA Ordinance, the Authority determines the remuneration and terms and conditions of employment for all its employees. Remuneration packages of executive directors and other senior managers are devised to attract, motivate and retain high calibre individuals in a competitive international market. Remuneration packages of all senior executives are considered and endorsed by the HA Board through the Executive Committee.