Task Group to look into sustainability of Hospital Authority

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hospital Authority (HA) Chairman Mr Henry Fan today (December 19) announced the establishment of a Task Group on Sustainability to look into major sustainability issues of the HA following the deliberation and approval by the HA Board at the Administrative Operational Meeting.
 
     "During earlier discussions in the Board, there have been concerns that the HA's operation would not be sustainable in the long run against the ever-growing demand for service," said Mr Fan.
 
     "Having regard to the HA's statutory responsibility to advise the Government of the needs and resources required for public hospital services, we should critically examine the major sustainability challenges we are facing, with a view to formulating strategic directions for the HA.
 
     "The formulation of strategic directions is important for HA medium and long-term planning. With that, the HA could formulate concrete proposals for consideration by the established governance of the Board for implementation subject to required resource support," added Mr Fan.
 
     While there is an array of issues affecting the HA's sustainability, the Task Group will focus on the following priority items, taking into account their urgency and impact:
 

1. Strategy for retaining manpower;
2. Strategy for managing the waiting time of first attendance of specialist out-patient clinic; and
3. Strategy for developing smart hospitals.
    

      Membership of the Task Group has been extended to all interested Board Members for participation and inclusion of talents and expertise. A total of 17 HA Board Members have agreed to join, including the Chairman, Mr Fan. 

     The Task Group will commence work shortly and will regularly report to the HA Executive Committee, with periodic reports of major progress to the HA Board as appropriate.