Hospital Authority launches Ambulatory Diagnostic Radiology Service Pilot Programme (with photos)
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The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (April 25) the launch of the Ambulatory Diagnostic Radiology Service Pilot Programme. Selected patients with suitable clinical conditions shall be invited to receive radiological diagnostic services at the Central Government-Aided Emergency Hospital (CGAEH). The programme aims to shorten patient waiting time and relieve the pressure on radiology services in public hospitals.
A spokesperson for the HA said, "The pilot programme is implemented on a voluntary basis. Invitation letters will be sent to suitable patients. Arrangements will be made for the patients to undergo Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the brain, sinuses, orbits, abdomen and/or pelvis, thorax, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the spine, shoulders, knees, etc, at the CGAEH."
The pilot programme will be implemented initially in the New Territories East Cluster (NTEC). The service targets non-hospitalised patients aged between 12 and 80, who are non-emergency cases in stable condition and normal mobility, including Priority 2 cases that need to wait for more than eight months, routine cases with a waiting time of more than 18 months, and suitable cases of non-urgent conditions that are waiting for scheduling of an appointment date. To provide convenience to patients, the HA will arrange dedicated vehicles to take patients and accompanying persons travelling between Sheung Shui MTR Station and the CGAEH.
The spokesperson said, "Facing the increasing demand for services, the HA hopes to make good use of the equipment in the CGAEH to provide safe and high-quality radiological diagnostic services and shorten patient waiting time. If abnormalities are found after an examination, diagnosis and follow-up will be arranged for patients as soon as possible to manage the diseases early.
"The programme will be expanded to the New Territories West Cluster next after the launch at the NTEC. The HA will review the effectiveness of the programme from time to time with a view to expanding the programme to other clusters gradually to benefit more patients."
During the fifth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Central Government commissioned and supported the construction of an emergency hospital located in the Lok Ma Chau Loop, which is named the Central Government-Aided Emergency Hospital. With the resumption of normalcy, following the handover of the facilities of the CGAEH earlier, the HA immediately started preparatory work to plan a new ambulatory service model for the CGAEH so as to allow more efficient deployment of resources to meet the needs of public medical services.
Ends/Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:41
Issued at HKT 18:41
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