Hospital Authority fully supports injured and affected victims of Tai Po fire
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for the Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (November 27) that the HA has mobilised substantial manpower and resources to provide medical treatment to those injured victims in the Tai Po fire. Some healthcare staff have cancelled their leave and returned to work to enhance manpower in caring for the injured. The HA has also deployed clinical psychologists and medical social workers to provide psychological counselling and necessary support to the families of the deceased and injured.
"The HA operates round-the-clock mental health enquiry hotline at 2466 7350 to provide psychological support services to the public in need. Residents affected by the Tai Po fire, their family members, or other citizens requiring assistance can call the hotline for professional help. Healthcare professionals will provide psychological support to those seeking help and, when necessary, assist with referrals for further treatment," the spokesperson said.
The Major Incident Control Centre (MICC) of the HA has been operational since the outbreak of the fire, maintaining close communication with various government departments to coordinate patient admission across public hospitals. The HA has mobilised 15 public hospitals to receive and treat the injured, including Prince of Wales Hospital and Queen Mary Hospital which have burn units, as well as Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital which are equipped with burn treatment facilities, to provide appropriate treatment for patients. Additionally, as some victims have inhaled toxic gases, the Hyper-baric Oxygen Therapy Centre at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital has enhanced its staffing to provide hyper-baric oxygen therapy for injured patients as needed.
"With the large number of casualties requiring medical care, the HA has been closely coordinating and monitoring the mobilisation of hospital beds and manpower across different hospitals, particularly beds of intensive care unit, to ensure adequate resources for appropriate treatment of the injured. The HA extends its gratitude to all healthcare staff on duty for their dedicated care of the injured, especially those who were off-duty or cancelled their leave to return to hospitals to assist in treating the casualties," the spokesperson said.
In addition to enhanced staffing at public hospitals to care for the injured, the Family Medicine clinics of the HA have also strengthened their services to support affected residents. Those with medical needs can directly visit Family Medicine clinics for assistance. The clinics will provide necessary services, including doctor consultations, treatments, and medication dispensing for patients without prior appointments. Healthcare staff will provide utmost support to affected residents through this difficult time.
Several HA staff members have been affected by the Tai Po fire, including one injured staff member, one has lost contact, and around 50 staff members who have been rendered homeless. The HA will provide full assistance and appropriate support to affected staff members, including temporary accommodation arrangements and compassionate leave for those in need. The HA will also enhance "Oasis" counselling service to provide psychological support for staff members requiring assistance.
The HA expresses sincere gratitude to those who have offered donations and supplies to public hospitals. We appeal to all individuals and charitable organizations concerned to continue monitoring the various needs of affected residents and to deliver supplies directly to them through different government departments or community networks to help them overcome this difficult period. The HA also extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased in the fire. The HA will spare no effort to support all injured patients and their families, standing with them through these challenging times, and hopes they can soon be healing from the pain.
The Hospital Authority, Photo source: reference image
