Hong Kong’s largest makeshift Covid facility to provide diagnostic radiology services after a year of inactivity, authorities reveal
- Computerised axial tomography (CAT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among services being offered to patients under pilot scheme
- Authorities says they hope to reduce wait times at public hospitals by using facility at Lok Ma Chau Loop for radiology services
Hospital Authority chairman Henry Fan Hung-ling on Monday said patients in eastern New Territories would be offered diagnostic radiology services at the facility.
“Since last month, colleagues from the New Territories East hospital cluster have been inviting some suitable patients to undergo diagnostic radiology services, such as [computerised axial tomography] scanning of the brain, chest, abdomen, as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine, shoulder, knee, etc,” he said in a blog post.
“Hospital colleagues will continue to write to suitable patients and ask about their wishes, and arrange diagnostic radiology services for those who are interested in the emergency hospital.”
Fan said the biggest benefit of the scheme would be a reduction in wait times at public hospitals, adding that it had already received a positive response from the healthcare industry.
“For example, some non-emergency cases may have to wait for more than 10 months for diagnostic radiology services at public hospitals. If they choose to visit the [makeshift facility], their waiting time could be shortened significantly,” he said.
“If abnormalities are found during check-up, the specialist department in charge of the patient could arrange diagnosis and follow-ups. This mechanism can be a tremendous help for early disease control.”