Health Minister To Order Hospital Maintenance Report

Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau said on Sunday that his bureau will order the Hospital Authority to submit a report after part of Tuen Mun Hospital became flooded during a downpour, forcing a dozen patients to be diverted to other hospitals.

The downpour on Saturday caused a backflow of rainwater which flooded parts of the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital. Some of its operating theatres were also suspended from services due to water leakage.

It was the latest in a series of maintenance concerns linked to public hospitals, including falling surgical lights and pieces of concrete.

Lo said the Hospital Authority will inspect its hospitals and make sure they can cope with bad weather conditions.

“The equipment in hospitals and medical institutions is definitely related to the quality and safety of hospital services. We are all concerned about this situation, especially as the rainy season approaches,” he said.

“The Hospital Authority will carry out work to make sure maintenance is done properly. Our bureau will ask the authority for a report to ensure services are not affected," Lo added.