Subject(Q4): Manpower of nursing staff in public hospitals
MR CHAN CHUN YING: Thank you, President. Of the three questions raised this morning, two are concerned with AI. In fact, using technology to develop smart healthcare can free nurses from mechanical and repetitive tasks. Intelligent puncture robots and disposable infusion bag recycle robots have long been used in the Mainland to assist nurses in enhancing work efficiency. As I do not have a good grasp of the current position of HA’s use of technology to assist healthcare personnel, may I ask whether the authorities have considered purposefully increasing resource allocation in this area to make up for the shortfall in healthcare personnel?
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH: Thank you, Mr CHAN. Smart hospitals have been a development focus for HA in recent years, with many projects adopting technologies, including AI and robotics. While the efficiency of certain nursing tasks can indeed be enhanced through the use of equipment and technology, we understand that nursing services must remain people-centred. In addition to applying technology, HA has also recruited numerous nursing support personnel, as I mentioned earlier. We recognize that many patient-caring tasks within wards may not necessarily be performed by registered or enrolled nurses, but can be handled by other personnel. This explains why, within the HA system, there are over 19 000 nursing support personnel assisting nurses with tasks that do not need to be performed by registered or enrolled nurses. Nevertheless, we will continue to advance technological development and adopt mature, readily available technologies. Thank you, President.