Extending visiting hours at public hospitals helps patients

已複製連結

The Hospital Authority began extending visiting hours in non-acute wards of public hospitals earlier this month. 

The HA said the increased time for family members to stay in the wards helps patients recover and strengthens doctor-patient relationships.

Hospitals in the HA's Kowloon Central and New Territories West Cluster were the first to implement the new visiting arrangements, which have been in place for about two weeks.

Visiting hours in non-acute wards, such as rehabilitation, convalescent, and nursing care wards, have been extended from 5-6 hours per day to at least 9 hours. Pediatric wards allow 24-hour visiting.

This will be implemented in all public hospitals by the end of July.

The HA said the extended visiting hours allow family members to stay longer in the wards, which can soothe patients' emotions, help the recovery process, and strengthen doctor-patient relationships. 

Speaking on a radio programme, Dr Ada Yu, Chief Executive of Shatin Hospital, said: 
“A consultant doctor shared with me that he thinks the extension is better, as patients can greet family members and even have the opportunity to update them on their condition, such as informing them that their family members are improving. This interaction would improve the doctor-patient relationship.” 

However, some frontline staff are concerned that the new arrangement will affect their work.

Mr. Fung, a ward assistant, said:
“When family members visit, patients ask medical staff questions, which diverts manpower from their care. Our daily work may not be completed in time, increasing the chance of errors.

Danny Tong, Chief Nurse Executive of the HA, said:
“We understand that frontline staff may experience some anxiety when a new policy or arrangement is introduced. Our first priority is to maintain close communication with the frontline staff.

If some work arrangements require flexible adjustments, we believe we can make those adjustments.”