Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ19�GProvision of medical records to private medical institutions

Following is a question by the Ir Dr Hon Ho Chung-tai and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, in the Legislative Council today (December 10):

Question :

It has been reported that little communication and cooperation exists at the operational level between public and private medical systems. When a patient discharged from a public hospital seeks medical treatment from a private hospital or clinic, it is difficult for the doctor consulted to obtain the patient's medical record from the public hospital concerned, constituting a barrier to continuous treatment of the patient. In view of this, Kwong Wah Hospital, in cooperation with private hospitals and the Hong Kong Medical Association, has started from September last year to provide private hospitals with medical records of its patients to facilitate the treatment of these patients in private hospitals. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether it knows:

(a) how Kwong Wah Hospital safeguards the privacy of patients in the implementation of the above measure;

(b) whether similar measures are taken by other public hospitals; and

(c) whether other measures are adopted by public hospitals to enhance their cooperation with private hospitals?

Reply:

(a) The Hospital Authority (HA) has agreed with three medical associations on a set of procedures for the transfer of patients' medical records from HA hospitals, including Kwong Wah Hospital, to private hospitals/practitioners. In accordance with the agreed procedures, an HA hospital would, before releasing a patient's medical records, ensure that the private hospital/ practitioner making the request has obtained the prior consent of the patient concerned.

(b) All HA hospitals follow the set of procedures agreed with the three medical associations to transfer patients' medical records on having the patient's consent.

(c) The HA is committed to enhancing the co-operation with private hospitals in the provision of patient-centred care. Facilitating the efficient transfer of clinical information between the public and private medical sector is one of the measures for the furtherance of this goal. Apart from that, the HA is working closely with the private medical sector in the development of collaborative service models and referral protocols between the two sectors. The HA also maintains regular dialogue with private hospitals to explore new ideas on how cooperation between the public and private sector can be further enhanced.

Ends/Wednesday, December 10, 2003
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