* Total inpatient, day patient discharges and deaths
KWC implemented a number of initiatives to manage the growing service demand in order to sustain high service quality and patient safety.
42 additional inpatient beds were introduced to meet mounting service needs, including extra acute and convalescent beds for coronary care and rehabilitation services respectively. Existing general acute beds were designated for managing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Service capacity was broadened with extended hours of emergency percutaneous coronary intervention, extra elective orthopaedic trauma operation, and Family Medicine specialist outpatient clinic sessions. Mental health service was enhanced by incorporating programmes of focusing on recovery oriented treatment and case management.
The new North Lantau Hospital commenced Phase 1 operation in September 2013. Accident & Emergency service hours had doubled, reaching 16 hours per day, since January 2014. A hospital-affiliated Community Health Centre providing general out-patient service to Tung Chung residents was also in place.
The cross cluster Robotic Assisted Surgery Collaboration Programme, an extension of minimally invasive surgery technique on hysterectomy surgeries for suitable gynaecological patients, was made possible through adoption of new technology with enhanced cross cluster collaboration. Predictive molecular tests for lung, breast and colorectal cancers were made more available for timely diagnosis and treatment. The Inpatient Medication Order Entry system, first piloted at PMH to improve medication safety together with upgraded dispensing facilities to achieve an aseptic environment, were initiatives taken to sustain patient safety.
KWC continued on-going hospital accreditation exercise, meeting requirements of Australian Council of Healthcare Standards. OLMH was accredited in second quarter, while PMH having completed gap analysis in fourth quarter of 2013.
To sustain a skilled, committed and highly competent workforce, KWC continued to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, improving respective professional grade development and career progression, and enhancing training and development for various disciplines.