Transcript of remarks by SFH at media session

     Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, after attending a public function today (July 11):

Reporter: Does the department have any plans to deal with the "Lennon Wall"? Can you also comment on the Ombudsman's probe into the under-utilisation of low-cost beds?

Secretary for Food and Health: As far as the utilisation of low-charge beds (at two private hospitals) is concerned, the Department of Health has given comments and suggestions to the private hospitals as to how best to use these beds. On one hand, the Hospital Authority, especially during the flu season, has actually used some of these beds of the two hospitals. On the other hand, we understand that the Ombudsman is now going to have an investigation on the use of these beds. We will continue to work with the Ombudsman and provide data and also information to facilitate the investigation.

     As far as the "Lennon Wall" is concerned, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department is looking into the environmental hygiene of different districts. If there are any complaints against the situation whereby it will cause any environmental hygiene problems, then the food and environmental hygiene staff will make an assessment and see how best to take forward.  

 (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)