Possible relocation of OB/GYN services of UC Hospital to TKO Hospital

The Hospital Authority is reportedly studying the possibility of moving the obstetrics and gynaecology services of United Christian Hospital to Tseung Kwan O Hospital as it reviews services in the Kowloon East Hospital Cluster.

Currently, Tseung Kwan O Hospital does not offer child delivery services, with only prenatal checkups and postpartum care specialist outpatient services.

Many pregnant women in Sai Kung have to give birth at United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong.

In response to media inquiries, the Hospital Authority says the number of births at United Christian Hospital is on the decline with about 40% of pregnant women living in Sai Kung District, including Tseung Kwan O.

With Queen Elizabeth Hospital's clinical services gradually relocating to Kai Tak Hospital starting October, and the expansion of United Christian Hospital nearing completion, the Hospital Authority is reviewing clinical service arrangements.

The hospital will review the obstetric services and staffing of United Christian Hospital and Tseung Kwan O Hospital, and take into account population distribution to comprehensively plan the Kowloon East Hospital Cluster for future obstetrics and gynaecology.

Lawmaker Christine Fong says with more newly built residential estates wooing more young couples moving in as well as the development of Area 137, the population in the district is expected to grow to 650,000 in 2040.

That entails a pressing need to extend the OB/GYN services in the district's hospital.

Fong underscores the trouble for an expectant mother living in Tseung Kwan O, noting it would take them around 17 minutes to reach United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong but just 7 minutes to reach Tseung Kwan O Hospital.

Fong says while there's been space reserved for the OB/GYN department at Tseung Kwan O Hospital, manpower re-allocation is still needed, to bring in midwives and other medical workers at intensive care for newborns.