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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
In response to media enquiries on the concerns expressed by the nursing unions today (April 20), the spokesperson for the Hospital Authority (HA) gave the following reply:
The HA has all along been concerned with the nursing manpower situation in public hospitals and understands the heavy workload and pressure faced by frontline nurses. Proactive steps have been taken in recent years to improve the working condition and career prospect of nurses. In view of the increasing turnover of nurses in public hospitals as well as rising demand for hospital services, the HA has earmarked an additional allocation of $200 million in 2011-12 to strengthen the recruitment and retaining of nursing manpower. The HA is in the process of consultation with frontline nurses on the enhanced measures.
The enhanced measures of the HA are listed as follows:
* Manpower strength: In 2011/12, HA will recruit more than 1,600 nurses to replace turnover and support new services. Among them, 300 are extra manpower to be deployed to rectify deficit in pressure areas.
* Proficiency of new graduates: HA will recruit experienced nurses in part-time or by issuing special allowance as preceptors to help new nurse graduates cope with ward environment and procedures, as well as to alleviate the workloads of existing experienced nurses who need to provide guidance. Simulation training on emergency care located at Princess Margaret Hospital will also be provided to new nurse graduates.
* Training and Development: The Institute of Advanced Nursing Studies will increase training courses to 23 specialties. HA will support professional upgrading by providing training sponsorship to Enrolled Nurse to convert to Registered Nurse, as well as support the degree course for Registered Nurse. HA will also provide 4-week overseas training sponsorship to Advanced Practice Nurse.
* Career progression: HA will create additional promotion posts including over 50 Nurse Consultant and 150 Advanced Practice Nurse posts.
* Quality of work life: HA will purchase 1,700 electric beds and other patient care/ monitoring equipment for use in ward. HA will also continue to employ supporting workers to take up non-nursing duties and reduce frequent night duties by enhancing the allowance of continuous night shift scheme.
Ends/Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:49
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