Use Of Extra Health Funding Questioned By Lawmaker

Health services sector lawmaker Joseph Lee says the government has to make sure that the extra funding it gave to the Hospital Authority is properly directed this flu season, noting that front line nurses have questioned whether the HK$500 million is being used effectively.

Lee said many feel that the extra sum allocated last year was not, as there was no increase in clerical support on wards or staffing improvements.

Speaking on RTHK's "Letter to Hong Kong", he said the Hospital Authority should do better.

"The Hospital Authority has to consolidate a detailed action plan with clear road maps," he said.

Lee said he was astonished to see that out of 3,300 returned questionnaires on the matter, over 70% of nurses considered that the Hospital Authority had not utilised the money effectively to reduce their work pressure

Lee also said staffing levels and morale needed to be looked at. He said the government should resolve the manpower shortage, retain well-qualified members of staff, revise remuneration packages, and improve working conditions. He also said it was essential for sufficient healthcare professionals to be trained up.