Less people sought treatment at A&E Dept during Lunar New Year

已複製連結

The Hospital Authority said the number of people seeking treatment at Accident and Emergency Departments during the three-day Lunar New Year holiday decreased by approximately 11% to 15% year-on-year. 

It is anticipated that with more citizens returning to Hong Kong in the coming days, the number of patients seeking treatment may rebound.

Dr. Axel Siu Yuet-chung, Chairman of the Hospital Authority's Accident & Emergency Department Coordination Committee, said in a radio programme: 

“We believe that this fee reform has achieved its initial objectives.”

“Currently, Hong Kong citizens' choices and habits regarding seeking medical treatment or requiring medical services have changed.”

“We anticipate that more people may return to Hong Kong in the coming days, potentially leading to a rebound in the number of patients seeking medical care. We will closely monitor changes in patient numbers and adjust our services accordingly.”

The Hospital Authority said that patient waiting times have improved since the implementation of public healthcare fee reforms on New Year's Day. 

As of mid-month, the proportion of emergency patients receiving treatment within half an hour has increased from 81% last year to 87%, and the average consultation time has decreased by 4 minutes to 20 minutes.