Children's Hospital suspends ENT services due to manpower shortage, affecting 500 patients

The Hospital Authority announced on Friday that the Hong Kong Children's Hospital has temporarily suspended service at its ear, nose, and throat department due to a shortage of manpower. Over 500 patients have been redirected to other public medical institutions.

In response to media inquiries, an HA spokesman said one associate consultant, one resident doctor, and one part-time consultant providing services at the department had resigned earlier, citing reasons including health concerns.

Under the coordination of the Hospital Authority's Head Office, the hospital has been referring patients with scheduled appointments to other public medical institutions for follow-up.

For Children's Hospital patients needing emergency surgery or medical procedures, the ENT departments from Kowloon Central Cluster hospitals will be able to provide support.

The Office said they are still actively coordinating transitional measures during this period, including the deployment of experienced ENT doctors through central recruitment to hospitals under the Kowloon Central Cluster.

Following the service adjustment, over 500 patients originally scheduled for follow-up appointments at the Children's Hospital have been rescheduled to receive ENT services at other public hospitals, it added.