Fire Services Department ambulances will not take patients to private hospitals from November 1.
The department said today its ambulances will only ferry patients to the accident and emergency ward of the nearest public hospital or clinic. Requests for conveyance to private hospitals will be refused.
Exemption will only be given if the patient produces a valid certificate issued by the Hospital Authority or private hospitals stating they must be treated at a designated hospital.
The request must be related to the medical condition as specified in the certificate and the patient's condition is stable enough for the requested journey. The patient will take full responsibility and liability in making such a request.
Exemption will also be given to an emergency patient who is suffering from an illness or has sustained an injury outside Hong Kong, and who has a prior arrangement made by relevant authorities to be admitted to a particular hospital.
The Private Hospitals Association has backed the new arrangement. The measures were implemented in August 1 with a three-month grace period.
