Hospital Authority spares no effort in providing emotional support to citizens

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hospital Authority (HA) expressed its serious concern for the unfortunate incident at Sham Shui Po today (June 5) and expressed its deepest condolences to the relatives of the deceased. The HA is aware that some members of the public may feel anxious and uneasy and the HA's mental health hotline services will spare no effort to provide emotional support to the public. Those in need may receive assistance from professional medical staff by calling the hotline at 2466 7350 without making an appointment. The hotline concerned operates 24 hours a day. The HA will deploy additional manpower to provide emotional support to citizens in need, including the ethnic minority, hoping to help those affected in dealing with their uneasy emotions.
 
     The spokesperson for the HA said that members of the public may have developed acute stress reactions if they are feeling anxiety, panic, anger, or are having difficulty sleeping, experiencing unconscious flashbacks of the event, avoiding relevant people and events, and recalling memories of past traumatic events. Everyone may react differently to the situation while those in need should seek professional medical help immediately.
 
     The spokesperson added that since the unfortunate incident at Diamond Hill last Friday, the HA's mental health hotline has received 45 calls as at noon today, and emotional support and assistance have been provided by healthcare professionals.