Actively listening to patients’ voices

The HA held two forums for patient groups in November. The first session attracted nearly 100 representatives of different patient groups to attend. The arrangement of the public healthcare fees and charges reform, the service flow and payment details for various healthcare services, as well as the enhanced medical fee waiving mechanism were introduced in the forums. Mr Tsang, a representative from the 1st Step Association, says the exchange session helped him better understand the drug charges arrangement for specialist out-patient clinics. "I thought that I have to return to the hospital every four weeks to collect medications. Now, I understand that follow-up appointment will not be affected, the four-week unit refers to chargeable units, which enabled my understanding towards the arrangements," he says. The HA will continue to communicate with patient groups, including four focus groups to collect feedback from patients on the reform, and will continue to engage with community stakeholders. In addition, to ensure colleagues fully grasp the new arrangement, the HAHO organised three staff forums in October to support departments in their preparations and ensure the smooth implementation of the reform.