Starbucks' invasion continues, with coffee chain calling for the doctor
It's true. There will probably be a Starbucks in every Hong Kong building soon. So far the coffee chain has 76 outlets, including five at the airport and more than one in many malls. This afternoon, the overkill continues with one opening of the first in a public hospital, the Queen Mary.
'We are very excited to be a part of Queen Mary. It is one of Hong Kong's most reputable and well-known hospitals, serving a large number of the general public,' a spokesman said. 'Based on the success of Starbucks in hospitals in other Asian markets, we are confident that the Queen Mary shop will become a popular gathering and meeting place for staff and visitors.'
All right, but are there any concerns about the effects of latte for people on medication? The rep replied that there will be no restrictions for patients.
'A number of consumer, health and medical associations in Hong Kong and around the world have various positions on caffeine, and we trust that patients will be able to make informed decisions.'
Okay, but is it a good idea for tired surgeons to go for yet another cappuccino and be overly wired in the O.R.? 'We wouldn't want to speculate on the late-night or pre-operation habits of hospital staff.'
