'Redeveloped Kwai Chung Hospital better for patients'

The Hospital Authority announced on Wednesday that Kwai Chung Hospital's redevelopment will improve care for Hong Kong's psychiatric patients. Currently, the hospital caters to around one-quarter of the city's patients. The transformation includes a new main building and a dedicated block for children and adolescents, expanding the facility from 80,000 to 134,000 square feet and increasing the number of beds to 1,000.

A "therapeutic village" has been introduced, featuring wards designed to create a comforting, home-like atmosphere for treatment. Kwai Chung Hospital's CEO, Cheng Koi-man, highlighted the advantages of this approach, emphasizing that the new layout will make it easier for the public to access medical care, enhance the environment, and bolster services.

This will encourage those in need to seek treatment without apprehension. Cheng also stressed that the wards prioritize patient safety and staff operations, with features like a tall rooftop fence and smart card tapping systems. Each ward includes a garden for patients who are suitable to relax in. The hospital will tailor treatment plans for each patient, combining medication, psychotherapy, and behavioral therapy.

The newly constructed child and adolescent block at the redeveloped hospital is the sole dedicated service for this age group in the city, providing comprehensive treatment, including outpatient, day hospital, and inpatient care. Cheng explained that the new blocks consolidate specialist outpatient services that were previously scattered across various hospitals and clinics.

Most facilities and services have already been transferred to Kwai Chung Hospital since the new blocks began operating in phases starting in March. The CEO anticipates the remaining facilities to be completed by September.