Hong Kong Conducts Successful Cross-Boundary Ambulance Transfer Drill with Guangdong and Shenzhen Governments

2024-08-23 17:50 Last Updated At：17:58

Government conducts drill for Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in GBA smoothly today

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government conducted today (August 23) a drill for the Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in the Greater Bay Area (Pilot Scheme) in collaboration with the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government. The drill, which simulated the transfer of patients under the cross-boundary ambulance arrangement, was conducted smoothly in general. The HKSAR Government will review the drill arrangement with the relevant Mainland authorities, with a view to launching the Pilot Scheme within this year.

Click to Gallery

Government conducts drill for Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in GBA smoothly today

Government conducts drill for Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in GBA smoothly today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

More Images

Government conducts drill for Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in GBA smoothly today

Government conducts drill for Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in GBA smoothly today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Today's drill mainly aimed at testing the routing of the cross-boundary ambulance between the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH) and the designated hospitals in Hong Kong (Tuen Mun Hospital and Hong Kong Children's Hospital), as well as the immigration arrangements of the ambulance to and from Hong Kong. After departure from HKU-SZH this morning, the designated Shenzhen cross-boundary ambulance travelled to Tuen Mun Hospital via Shenzhen Bay Port and subsequently headed to Hong Kong Children's Hospital, before returning to HKU-SZH via Shenzhen Bay Port. The process was generally smooth. Upon reviewing today's drill arrangement, the HKSAR Government may conduct another drill with the relevant Mainland authorities if necessary with the aim of launching the one-year Pilot Scheme within this year.

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, "At present, there is no direct cross-boundary ambulance arrangement for transfer of patients by land between Hong Kong and the Mainland as well as Macao. The handover of patients can only be conducted at boundary control points under the 'vehicle-to-vehicle' mode. However, such a 'vehicle-to-vehicle' mode may pose medical risks to certain patients with special medical needs. With the further integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and more frequent travelling of residents within the GBA, the HKSAR Government is determined to rationalise the relevant cross-boundary transfer arrangement which has been an issue of public concern for years. I am glad that Guangdong and Hong Kong took the lead in conducting a successful drill today through the concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government, the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government to gear up for the official launch of the Pilot Scheme."

The Chief Executive announced in the 2023 Policy Address the exploration of a cross-boundary ambulance transfer arrangement in the GBA. The Pilot Scheme will first roll out the arrangement of direct ambulance transfer of patients from designated hospitals in Shenzhen and Macao to designated public hospitals in Hong Kong. The Government published in the Gazette on August 16 the exemption of designated Shenzhen cross-boundary ambulances from the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374E) (the Regulations) during a specified period, pursuant to regulation 3(c) of the Regulations so as to facilitate the drill arrangement. The Governments of the two places will strive to finalise as soon as possible the long-term arrangements for designated Shenzhen cross-boundary ambulances to enter Hong Kong.

Apart from the entry arrangement of vehicles into Hong Kong, the Health Bureau is also in discussion with the relevant departments of the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government on the implementation details regarding the entry of medical items and personnel on the ambulance into Hong Kong. In particular, HKU-SZH will deploy healthcare personnel to escort patients with clinical needs on the ambulance to a designated public hospital in Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government will ensure compliance by the doctors concerned with the relevant laws of Hong Kong, such that they can continue to carry out the necessary medical procedures for the patients on board the ambulance upon entry into Hong Kong. The Medical Council of Hong Kong has issued a promulgation regarding limited registration in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap. 161). The Hospital Authority (HA) is making limited registration applications for the Mainland doctors who will provide support aboard the cross-boundary ambulances.

Meanwhile, the HKSAR Government is also in discussion with the Macao Special Administrative Region Government on the relevant drill arrangement. The cross-boundary ambulance mechanism will only be activated when a prior agreement between the sending hospital (i.e. HKU-SZH or the Conde S. Januario Hospital of Macao) and the receiving hospital (i.e. designated public hospitals under the HA of Hong Kong) has been reached in advance, with the medical needs, safety and interests of patients as the prime concerns while avoiding abuse of the mechanism. Subject to the effectiveness and operational experience of the Pilot Scheme, relevant government departments will consider whether and how to expand the Scheme, such as including more designated hospitals and/or extending the Pilot Scheme to a two-way arrangement.

Legislative Council Delegation Explores Shanghai's Transportation Innovations and Smart Mobility Solutions

2024-09-12 20:36 Last Updated At：20:48

LegCo Panel on Transport continues duty visit in Shanghai

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The delegation of the Legislative Council Panel on Transport continued its duty visit in Shanghai today (September 12).

In the morning, the delegation visited Hongqiao Comprehensive Transportation Hub to learn about its planning features, management experiences and response in emergency. It is the largest modernized transportation hub in the country, with a daily passenger flow of 1.1 to 1.4 million people, integrating various transportation networks including civil aviation, high-speed railway, inter-city railway, long-haul buses and rental vehicles. Members noted that the Transportation Hub serves as a convenient integrated transportation gateway in supporting the urban development of Shanghai and meeting the needs of the Yangtze River Delta regional economy efficiently.

The delegation then participated in an exchange session with representatives of the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission to exchange views on the latest developments of smart transportation and traffic management in Shanghai, as well as experiences and challenges in promoting smart mobility.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the digital management center of Shanghai Urban Operation (Group) Company Limited and observed its operation. Members noted that through its applications of various intelligent sensing technologies, including road cameras, sensors and robotics, to collect real-time data, the digital management center enhances the resilience of the city's overall traffic system against extreme weather. The delegation then visited Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Company Limited and participated in an exchange session with the company's representatives to gain insights into its experience in the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructures.

The delegation departed for Hangzhou in the evening and will continue its duty visit in Hangzhou tomorrow (September 13).

Hong Kong Conducts Successful Cross-Boundary Ambulance Transfer Drill with Guangdong and Shenzhen Governments

HK