Caseloads 'too heavy'

A client in need of psychological care has to wait for at least a month before he can see a psychologist, lawmakers heard.

This was partly due to a staff shortage, the Finance Committee's establishment subcommittee was told.

Deputy Director of Social Welfare Patricia Chu Yeung Pak-yu told the subcommittee a clinical psychologist had to look after up to 60 cases.

And the department was too short of staff to open a centre to serve Kowloon West, Mrs Chu said.

The subcommittee endorsed the creation of a new rank of chief clinical psychologist.