The total number of hospital beds provided by all 13 private hospitals has increased to at least 410 and Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today appealed to suitable patients to accept the transfer arrangement to private hospitals.

Following an earlier meeting between Prof Lo and representatives of the Hong Kong Private Hospitals Association, as well as the recent close communication between the Hospital Authority (HA) and private hospitals, the total number of hospital beds provided by all 13 private hospitals has increased from 364 at the initial stage to at least 410 so far.

The Health Bureau said the number of beds can be gradually brought up to around 1,000 depending on the actual demand.

From July 29 to September 6, a total of 920 hospitalised patients have been transferred to the 13 private hospitals for treatment.

Prof Lo said he is pleased to know that many private hospitals have successively increased the number of beds for receiving more HA patients, nonetheless, nearly a quarter of patients and their family still refuse to accept the transfer arrangement, which is concerning.

He is also confident that private hospitals will serve the transferred HA patients with the same professionalism as the public hospitals.

The health chief called on patients and their family members to accept the transfer arrangement and actively co-operate with local healthcare professionals who are making their best efforts in fighting the epidemic at this critical juncture.

The HA reiterated that public hospitals will conduct a professional evaluation to ensure that a patient is suitable for transfer to private hospitals before making the arrangement.

Patients only need to pay at a level equivalent to the charges of HA services for their stay at the private hospitals, and those who are eligible for a medical fee waiver will still be able to enjoy the waiver as in the case of using HA services.