A&E services to be enhanced over Lunar New Year
Doctors specialising in geriatrics will provide assistance to accident and emergency departments over the Lunar New Year holiday period, the Hospital Authority said on Thursday. The number of elderly patients turning up at casualty departments is expected to surge amid a cold snap. "Emergency departments usually have to receive pressure from both sides, including those patients need to be admitted and also those patients that will be attended as out-patients," said the authority’s chief manager Dr Larry Lee. Lee noted that a 10-day trial scheme will begin on Friday offering refunds to people with minor problems so they can leave A&E departments before treatment and avoid a potentially long wait. The authority hopes the move will reduce queues. Eighteen out-patient clinics will also be open this Lunar New Year, compared to 14 last year.