Docs told to help ease pressure on A&E staff

Cheng Wong

Family doctors must guide patients in using medical services appropriately and push them toward primary health care in non-emergencies, says Hong Kong College of Family Physicians vice president Lau Ho-lim.

His call came amid talk of the authorities mulling a two-tier system for accident and emergency services in public hospitals.

Under the supposed system, critical and emergency patients would receive free treatment while urgent, semi-urgent and non-urgent patients would be charged at rates comparable to private clinics.

Lau said that the college believes the potential reform is not intended to cut medical services, but to ensure resources are better allocated to patients who truly need them.

It suggested family doctors educate patients on distinguishing between urgent and non-urgent situations, encouraging them to utilize primary healthcare services in non-urgent cases to alleviate pressure on A&E departments.

Lau also noted their responsibility to enhance patients' health management capabilities.

"Through professional knowledge and patient guidance, [family doctors] can teach patients how to engage in self-health management, such as monitoring chronic diseases, cultivating healthy daily habits, and regularly participating in preventive healthcare programs to reduce reliance on A&E services and specialist out-patient clinics."

Lau said the college will continue to promote primary healthcare by providing accurate information to address public concerns, while also offering high-quality training and education for family doctors.

Meanwhile, Queen Mary Hospital's A&E consultant Tsui Sik-hon said A&E staffing is typically limited at night, hoping the reform could alter patients' usage patterns and allow resources to go to those in greatest need.

"Some patients might feel unwell and rest at home for most of the day, and when they wake up at night without a sick leave certificate, they go to A&E just to get one."

In other news, Hospital Authority senior management has reportedly met with at least three patient organizations this past week to discuss the reform and gather feedback.

cheng.wong@singtaonewscorp.com