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We continued our effort in hospital accreditation, and a total of 17 hospitals had already attained full accreditation status recognised by Australian Council on Healthcare Standards, an international accrediting agent. Through setting up a mechanism on credentialing and defining scope of practice, we strived to enhance professional competence of our clinical staff with a view to further improving patient safety. |
We fully embrace the importance of transparency to enhance public accountability and confidence. We have promulgated the waiting time of specialist outpatient clinics of all eight major specialties on the HA internet website as well as at clinics. Patients are encouraged to make their own choice in making cross-cluster bookings for new cases. |
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To reduce workload burdens of frontline staff and address manpower shortage in certain specialties, we hired 350 doctors including 291 resident trainees, 1,915 nurses and 557 allied health professionals during the year. Overseas training scholarships and training subsidies were provided to around 180 healthcare professionals. |
To increase service capacity, we opened 205 permanent new beds. We also added 282 temporary beds and 5,962 general outpatient clinic (GOPC) quotas during winter surge period. In September 2014, North Lantau Hospital launched round-the-clock Accident & Emergency services. | |
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We further leveraged technology to improve service efficiency and enhance medical safety. The use of digital imaging in operating theatres at selected major acute hospitals was widely deployed. The expansion of the Inpatient Medication Order Entry system to Princess Margaret Hospital, Tsung Kwan O Hospital, North Lantau Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital has further cut prescription |
errors. We now have over 20 mobile applications in operation or under development for staff and public use, including TouchMed, which frees patients from extended waits at our pharmacies. We are currently piloting an Integrated Human Resources Management Information Access system to identify and monitor critical pressure areas, such as staff attrition, to proactively manage other service risks.
| The GOPC Public-Private Partnership programmes launched in March 2014 in Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin and Tuen Mun districts to shorten waiting time and enhance patient choice to primary-care services registered over 3,500 patients participating. |  |
Patients and community partners were continuously engaged for service improvements in public hospitals. We conducted a patient experience and satisfaction survey on specialist outpatient service in 26 SOPCs. An electronic system was also implemented to capture and analyse statistical information on patient complaints and feedback. | |
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We completed building works for the redevelopment of Yan Chai Hospital, piling works for Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, and technical feasibility statement for construction of the new acute hospital in Kai Tak development area. In pursuance of the strategic intents and directions of HA, we commenced the construction of Tin Shui Wai Hospital and Hong Kong |
| Children’s Hospital to increase capacity and capability. Preparatory works for providing new facilities at United Christian Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital, Queen Mary Hospital and Kwai Chung Hospital have started. To modernise and upkeep standards of facilities, redevelopment or refurbishment works are also to be carried out in Caritas Medical Centre, Yan Chai Hospital, and Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, etc. Barrier-free access at 16 acute hospitals and most GOPCs were modernised. | |
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Senior appointments in 2014-15 included Dr Lee Koon-hung as Hospital Chief Executive (HCE) of Shatin Hospital & Bradbury Hospice and Dr Deacons Yeung Tai-kong as HCE of Pok Oi Hospital. |
| I wish to offer my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff for their continuing passion and professionalism in the face of the demanding challenges of providing modern healthcare. I also wish to express my appreciation to the Hong Kong SAR Government for its ongoing support through annual recurrent funding and policy decisions. We will continue to face immediate and future challenges as we work to uphold our commitment to delivering high quality healthcare services. With the strong support of our staff, the Government and the communities of Hong Kong, I am confident we will continue to drive forward to successfully deliver our mission of helping people stay healthy. | |
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| PY LEUNG Chief Executive |
