HA stringently reviews public hospital systemic issues

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
 
     The Hospital Authority (HA) Chairman, Mr Henry Fan, today (June 21) announced that the HA is proactively following up the concern raised by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, on the series of incidents recently occurred in public hospitals. The HA is committed to a comprehensive and independent review of the systemic issues involved, with the utmost seriousness. Improvement measures will be proposed to enhance the quality of medical services and ensure patient safety.

     Mr Fan said, "Patient safety is the HA's top priority. The HA will stringently review and learn from the incidents, so as to explore feasible measures to strengthen the monitoring mechanisms of medical procedures, staff assessments, management accountability, and internal risk management, with an aim to enhance patient safety and maintain public's confidence."

     The Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko, said that the HA understands the public's concern over the series of recent incidents. During the review process, the HA will also examine public hospitals' emergency response, communication, and disclosure arrangements.

     The HA has promptly initiated the procedure for appointing suitable candidates to commence work, in order to propose improvement measures upon completion of review and report to the Health Bureau within three months. Dr Ko emphasised that the HA places great importance on the quality of services in public hospitals and will take all practicable measures to strengthen the management of public hospitals, providing the most appropriate medical care for patients and a safe environment for staff, as well as ensuring the public's confidence in the services provided.