SFH visits Central and Western District (with photos)

     The Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, today (July 25) visited Central and Western District to learn more about rehabilitation services and environmental hygiene conditions in the district. She also exchanged views with members of the Central and Western District Council (DC) on various local issues.
 
     Accompanied by the District Officer (Central and Western), Mrs Susanne Wong, Professor Chan first visited Phoenix Clubhouse and its clinic at the David Trench Rehabilitation Centre. Phoenix Clubhouse is jointly operated by the Centre and the Hospital Authority. She chatted with the staff and learned more about the services provided by the clubhouse.  
 
     Established by the University of Hong Kong and Queen Mary Hospital in 1998, Phoenix Clubhouse is the first Clubhouse that has been certified and recognised by Clubhouse International for providing world-class rehabilitation services, including training, employment, social and health-related programmes, to people with mental illness in Hong Kong.
 
     "The Government attaches great importance to the mental health of members of the public. As the World Health Organization puts it, there is no health without mental health. The Government strives to improve the mental health of specific sectors within the community, including children and adolescents, adults and the elderly," Professor Chan said.
 
     "As such, the Food and Health Bureau established the Advisory Committee on Mental Health last year to advise the Government on mental health policies, including the establishment of more integral and comprehensive approaches to tackle multifaceted mental health issues in Hong Kong. It will also follow up on and monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the 2017 Mental Health Review Report."
 
     Professor Chan then inspected environmental hygiene black spots in Western District. She was briefed by staff of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) about the measures to improve environmental hygiene, including the installation of Internet protocol (IP) cameras at illegal refuse deposit black spots.
 
     To curb illegal dumping of refuse, the FEHD has progressively extended the scheme on installation of IP cameras to all districts for a trial period of one year. So far, 46 refuse deposit black spots in the territory have IP cameras installed, and three of the cameras are installed in Central and Western District. In addition, the FEHD has set up 19 dedicated enforcement teams to strengthen enforcement actions against cleanliness offences throughout the territory.
 
     "I met with the chairmen and vice-chairmen of the environmental hygiene committees of the 18 DCs yesterday. They have expressed views and suggestions on enhancing environmental hygiene in Hong Kong," Professor Chan said.
 
     "The Government is committed to enhancing the environmental hygiene in Hong Kong. The resources allocated in this area increased from $3.8 billion in 2017-18 to $4.3 billion in 2018-19. The co-operation of the general public by exercising a strong sense of civic-mindedness and self-discipline is essential for solving the environmental hygiene problem. We hope that the general public and the community could proactively participate in and support the government measures to maintain environmental hygiene together," she reiterated.
 
     Before concluding the visit, Professor Chan met with the Chairman of the Central and Western District Council, Mr Yip Wing-shing, and DC members to listen to their concerns on healthcare and environmental hygiene issues in the district.