The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met with the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Mr Sebastian Kurz, at Government House this afternoon (August 31).
      
     Mrs Lam welcomed Mr Kurz and his delegation to Hong Kong, which includes three ministers, namely the Federal Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology, Mr Norbert Hofer; the Federal Minister for Digital and Economic Affairs, Mrs Margarete Schramböck; and the Federal Minister for Education, Science and Research, Mr Heinz Fassmann, who Mrs Lam met during her visit to Europe some months ago. Mrs Lam said that she visited Vienna in the capacity of Chief Secretary for Administration in 2014, during which she invited a high-level delegation of the Austrian Federal Government to visit Hong Kong. She added that for this reason she was particularly pleased with the meeting today.
      
     Mrs Lam said she was deeply impressed by Vienna's  development as a smart city as well as its facilities and atmosphere relating to arts and culture. She noted that subsequently Hong Kong and Austria have signed memorandums of understanding on relevant aspects, and believed that this visit will further promote co-operation and exchanges between the two places.
      
     Mrs Lam introduced Mr Kurz to Hong Kong's latest developments, including the successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong", and exercising a high degree of autonomy. After taking office last year, she has been committed to implementing a new style of proactive governance and, in particular, advancing the development of innovation and technology (I&T) in Hong Kong. She said that Hong Kong and Austria had established a very solid foundation working together in this area with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on co-operation in technology start-up ecosystems in 2016, and that collaboration and experience-sharing between technology start-ups in the two places have since advanced successfully.  With the active participation of Hong Kong in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the establishment of an I&T hub within it, she invited Austria's higher education institutions and scientific research centres to set up a presence in Hong Kong for joint development.    
      
     Mrs Lam added that the development of arts and culture is one of her priority policy initiatives. She said the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir set up its first overseas music academy in Hong Kong in 2011. Also, the soon-to-be completed M+ Museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District, together with the renovated Hong Kong Museum of Art, will bring the development of arts and culture in Hong Kong to new heights. She also expressed the hope that room for collaboration could be explored with the acclaimed MuseumsQuartier Wien.
  

          

     In response to media enquiries on the suspected leakage of leachate from the West New Territories (WENT) Landfill, the spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (August 31) replied as follows:
 
     Water management at the WENT Landfill involves two independent collection and treatment systems, namely the rainwater and ground water management system and the leachate management system. This incident was caused by the contractor's improper handling of the valve for a rainwater collection facility, thus causing leakage of rainwater contaminated with pollutants into an adjacent river.
 
     The spokesman explained that pollutants easily accumulate on the ground of the landfill, and may be washed away by the first flush of rainstorm after a period of dry days (not only the first rainstorm after the dry season). Such rainwater will be relatively turbid. To reduce such kind of pollution, rainwater management facilities are installed at particular spots surrounding the landfill to collect and intercept polluted rainwater. The rainwater retention pond mentioned in media reports is actually part of the landfill's rainwater management system. When the rainwater retained by the retention pond rises to a certain level, the water pump installed inside the pond will be activated. The rainwater with pollutants is then pumped into the leachate management system, where it will be treated together with the leachate and finally discharged into the sewers of the Drainage Services Department.
 
     The water pump will not operate until the water level of the retention pond has reached the triggering position. Therefore, polluted rainwater will accumulate in the retention pond and some pollutants will be left at the bottom of the pond. The contractor thus needs to clean the residual polluted rainwater, silt and waste in the retention pond regularly. To facilitate the cleaning of the rainwater retention pond, a valve is installed at its bottom to enable the collection and delivery of the residual polluted rainwater to the leachate management system for proper treatment, to be followed by the cleaning of the sludge and waste left at the retention pond.       
 
     The EPD received complaints from members of the public in August this year that Tai Shui Hang River was being polluted and it was suspected that there was an illegal discharge into the river. After investigation by the Environmental Compliance Division of the EPD on August 7, it was found that wastewater was leaking from the landfill. The EPD subsequently collected evidence and will instigate prosecution against the contractor concerned if there is sufficient evidence. The Department also gave the contractor a stern warning and ordered the contractor to conduct an investigation on the incident immediately so as to rectify the problem. The contractor rectified the problem on the same day and deactivated the valve of the rainwater retention pond. Thorough inspections of similar facilities have also been conducted to ensure the incident will not happen again.
 
     It has been reported that leakage of leachate still continues after the rectification. In fact, the suspected leachate is actually polluted rainwater which is now deposited at the bottom of the retention pond. Consequently, the polluted water in the retention pond shows a darker colour, which is normal, and it will continue to be pumped away. Since the pollutants on the ground have been washed away and accumulated at the bottom of the retention pond during the first flush of rainstorm, the rainwater that entered the retention pond at a later stage is relatively clean and will pass through the top of the retention pond and flow away crossing the top of the outer wall. As the valve of the rainwater collection facility has been deactivated, the wastewater at the bottom will not leak or be directly discharged through the valve. It can only be pumped away.
 
     The spokesman stressed that this is an individual incident and such irregularity caused by the malfunction of the valve was detected for the first time since the WENT Landfill began operation more than 20 years ago. Despite the incident, the surrounding environment and water bodies have not been significantly affected and there are no signs of algae or fish kills.
 
     The EPD has all along been closely monitoring the performance of the contractor. If it fails to meet contractual requirements, the EPD will demand it to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause and formulate measures to prevent such incidents from happening again. The investigation findings and proposed measures will be reviewed by the EPD and an independent consultant. The EPD will, together with the independent consultant, continue to urge the contractor to follow up on the incident and further enhance the environmental monitoring work at WENT.
 
     If it is confirmed that the contractor breached the contract requirements by failing to treat wastewater properly or discharging it illegally, the Environmental Infrastructure Division of the EPD will follow up the case according to the contract provisions. All relevant information will be reflected in the contractor's assessment report and will directly affect the contractor's bid for a new government contract and its chances of being appointed in the future. In addition, law enforcement officers of the EPD have been closely monitoring the discharge of wastewater from landfills. Investigation will be launched if suspected violations are found. If any contractor is confirmed to have breached the Water Pollution Control Ordinance, prosecution in accordance with the law will be instigated.

     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) 2018/19 Season Opening today (August 31):

Chairman Y S Liu (Chairman of Board of Governors of the HK Phil), Mr Merlin Swire (Chairman of Swire Pacific), Ms Christine Ip (Chief Executive Officer of Greater China, United Overseas Bank), Mr Michael MacLeod (Chief Executive of the HK Phil), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. It is my great honour to join you all here at the opening concert of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Orchestra on the commencement of its 45th season.

     The HK Phil is one of the finest orchestras in Asia. It has delivered performances of the highest artistic quality and offered music enthusiasts a series of fantastic programmes over the years. Last year, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, and with support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices, the orchestra performed in Seoul, Osaka, Singapore, Melbourne and at the Sydney Opera House.

     In January this year, under the dynamic leadership of Music Director master Jaap van Zweden, HK Phil completed the universally critically acclaimed epic "Ring Cycle", taking the orchestra to a new height of artistic excellence.

     The HK Phil annually touches the lives of over 200 000 music lovers through more than 150 performances including a full-time annual schedule of core classical repertoire and innovative popular programming, extensive education activities and community outreach activities for people of all ages, free concerts including the popular Swire Symphony under the Stars and regular broadcasts and telecast, as well as collaboration with Opera Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Arts Festival and the Hong Kong Ballet, enriching the cultural life of the Hong Kong community and bringing the joy of classical music to our people and visitors alike.
      
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to promoting arts and cultural development in Hong Kong and has been providing funding for the nine major performing arts groups, including the HK Phil. This year, we have allocated an additional funding of $55 million to support these nine performing arts groups and other small and medium arts groups funded by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. We have also injected an additional $500 million into the Art Development Matching Grants Pilot Scheme and have relaxed its matching parameters to encourage donations from the business and private sectors in support of the development of arts groups.

     However, Government's efforts alone are never enough. I am pleased to note that the Swire Group in particular has been the Principal Patron of the HK Phil since 2006. I would also like to pay tribute to UOB for sponsoring the Opening Night. The Orchestra also receives long-term funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and other supporters of the local community. The enduring support from music lovers and different sectors of the community will certainly continue to propel the HK Phil forward and scale new heights in the years to come.

     On this encouraging note, I wish the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra again a resounding success in the new season and all of you a very pleasant and melodious evening.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (August 31) announced the findings and recommendations of the Investigation Report regarding a sentinel event of a case of barium enema examination:
 
     Arrangements were made for a 79-year-old female patient with chronic illness to undergo a barium enema examination on July 4, at QEH. A radiographer tried to insert the enema tip into the patient's anus but had improperly inserted it into her vagina. The radiographer did not check the inserting position and received a verbal confirmation from the patient that the enema tip was within her rectum. The radiographer then inflated the retention cuff (or balloon) of the enema to avoid leakage of barium during the examination. After instillation of barium to the catheter, a radiologist found in X-ray images the presence of barium inside the patient's pelvis, suspecting that the enema tip was improperly inserted into the vagina. The radiologist immediately stopped the examination and asked a radiographer to check the position of the enema tip. The radiographer removed the enema tip after discovering that it was inserted into the vagina. The radiologist immediately examined the patient and found blood stained barium contrast in the patient's perineum.
 
     Medical staff from Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Imaging immediately escorted the patient to the Accident and Emergency Department. An urgent computed tomography scan was arranged. The result showed that barium existed in her vagina, uterine cavity and bilateral fallopian tubes, and there were also possible signs of vaginal tear. After a joint assessment by a surgeon, gynaecologist and intensivist, an emergency operation was conducted to suture laceration of her vagina, for removal of residual barium and bilateral salpingectomy in order to avoid the risk of peritonitis. The patient was stable after the operation. She made a satisfactory recovery and was discharged on July 24.
 
     Following the incident, the hospital reported the incident to the Hospital Authority (HA) Head Office through the Advance Incident Reporting System. The incident was classified as a sentinel event. QEH has set up a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Panel to investigate the incident.  After a thorough investigation, the Panel has made the following conclusions:
 

1. During the insertion of the enema tip, the radiographer did not see clearly the patient's perineum. A visual check was not performed after insertion either. The radiographer should identify the patient's anus before and immediately after inserting the enema tip to prevent a similar incident from happening again.
2. In this incident, the inflated retention cuff (or balloon) of the enema tip caused injuries to the vagina and forced the barium into the uterine cavity and the fallopian tubes.
3. The incident was a rare one according to the medical literature.

     The Panel has made the following recommendations to QEH and the HA to enhance patient safety:

   1. Review and revise the workflow of the barium enema examination to ensure that:

• After the insertion of the enema tip, another radiographer or a radiologist should reconfirm its position.
• The retention cuff is inflated only after confirmation of the correct position of the enema tip by a doctor. The inflation of the retention cuff should be assessed based on the benefits, risks and needs of individual patients.

    
   2. Share the incident with all staff members of Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Imaging and the lessons learned in formal meetings.

     QEH has explained the investigation results to the patient's family and delivered an apology again. The hospital will continue to maintain close communication with them and provide the necessary assistance.
 
     The hospital has accepted the Panel's findings and recommendations, and submitted the investigation report to the HA Head Office. QEH will follow up the case according to prevailing human resources policies. The Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Imaging has formulated and implemented the new guidelines immediately after the incident. After insertion of the enema tip, the radiographer should confirm the correct position of the enema tip with the patient, while another radiographer or radiologist will make a second confirmation before proceeding with the examination.
 
     The hospital expressed its gratitude to the Chairman and members of the RCA Panel. Membership of the Panel is as follows:

Chairman
———-
Dr Danny Cho
Chief of Service, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital and Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital
 
Members
Dr Lo Kit-lin
Chief of Service, Department of Radiology and Organ Imaging, United Christian Hospital
 
Ms Anna Mak
Senior Radiographer, Department of Radiology, Queen Mary Hospital
 
Ms Cora Wong
Nursing Officer, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital / North District Hospital

Mr Apollo Wong
Department Manager, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kwong Wah Hospital
 
Dr Jackie Chau
Senior Manager (Patient Safety and Risk Management), HA Head Office

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (August 31) made the following response with regard to the investigation report submitted by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) on its assessment mechanism for the qualification of Engineer's Person-in-charge (EPIC):
 
     The Government has always accorded top priority to railway safety and has put in place a stringent regulatory system. The EMSD regulates and monitors the safe operation of the railway system according to the Mass Transit Railway Ordinance and its subsidiary regulations, including monitoring the qualifications and training of railway staff. After learning in June this year of the alleged collective cheating in the MTRCL's EPIC course examinations, the EMSD immediately requested the MTRCL to carry out an investigation into the allegations. The EMSD has in parallel conducted an independent investigation.
 
     The investigation carried out by the EMSD found no evidence that suggested examination leakage or collective cheating by examination candidates, though it does find there is room for improvement concerning the examination system. The EMSD has requested the MTRCL to implement various improvement measures and will closely monitor the MTRCL in implementing these measures in a timely manner, including carrying out random inspections to ensure that the examination system concerned is robust in order to safeguard the safe operation of the railway system.