Hong Kong Ombudsman to investigate community services for mental patients
Watchdog concerned about whether sufferers and their relatives and carers are receiving sufficient support
The Ombudsman is to investigate whether mental patients in Hong Kong are getting the community services they need.
A statement released by the watchdog on Thursday said it was “concerned about whether the existing services are adequate, and whether proper and timely assistance is provided to those in need”.
It is understood that the investigation was not initiated by any specific complaints but by the Ombudsman’s concern about whether sufficient help is being given to families, carers and neighbours of mental patients, who were said to “often feel stress or anxiety”.
Community services are provided by 24 wellness centres, which are run by 11 non-governmental organisations. The watchdog will study how well they provide support services.
The monitoring and publicity work of centres under the Social Welfare Department will be included in the investigation. The public are invited to express their views on the issue by September 5.
Launched in October 2010, the district-wide centres aim to provide a one-stop service, including outreach, counselling and social activities, to discharged mental patients and people with suspected mental health problems.