William Ho Shiu-wei new job

William Ho promised to investigate complaints that some staff were punished for turning up late or being absent during Typhoon York last week.

Legislator Michael Ho Mun-ka, who represents nurses, said staff who did not turn up had had holidays deducted.

Some nurses had even been penalised for being 10 minutes late, he said.

The Hospital Authority said it attached equal importance to staff safety and patients' welfare. 'We take this opportunity to express gratitude to all staff who were on duty when Typhoon York hit Hong Kong,' a statement said.