HOSPICE workers fear terminally ill patients may be forced to die alone because of bed shortages.
Governor Chris Patten, in last year's policy speech, vowed: 'By 1998-99, an extra 1,000 patients a year will be able to live out their terminal illnesses in comfort and dignity.' But hospice workers warn this will not be enough with the numbers of terminally ill patients - between 8,000 and 9,000 cancer victims die each year - set to increase as the population ages.
There are 166 beds in 10 hospice units in Hong Kong and only one unit, the Bradbury, is not part of a hospital.
Haven of Hope chief executive Dr Anthony Leung Hi-tat believes the figures speak for themselves.
'We are pressed for beds,' he said. 'I agree there's still much room for expansion of hospice care - not just for patients who are dying of cancer.
Dr Leung said the care extended to families and, if there were no family members, staff would stay with patients until they died.
'We have a rule that no patient should die alone,' he said. 'We prefer to see patients die in dignity and peace. There's much room for improvement of hospice care although there are competing priorities. In our health care service, they deserve more attention.' Cancer deaths accounted for 30.8 per cent of all deaths last year compared to 27.3 per cent a decade ago.
