The Social Welfare Department today released the report from a consultancy study aimed at nurturing specialised health and care professional talent for residential care homes.

The department established a “Steering Committee on Review of Manpower for Healthcare Services in Residential Care Homes” in July 2023 to review the skill and qualification requirements of residential care home (RCH) staff.

The consultant commissioned by the department conducted the review under the committee’s guidance, and concluded it at the end of 2024. After being scrutinised by the committee, the consultant’s report was submitted to and accepted by the department.

According to report, Hong Kong’s ageing population has driven growing demand for professional care services in the RCH sector, rendering it essential to nurture professional health and care talent dedicated to the social welfare sector.

The report puts forth four key recommendations. These include establishing a new professional rank of “Health & Care Practitioner” (HCP); adjusting the content of the Certificate in Progression Training for Care Workers; and amending regulations on residential care homes for elderly and disabled persons in order to introduce the new HCP rank into relevant laws.

Fourthly, RCH operators are recommended to attract and retain staff through measures such as enhancing career development and promotion opportunities, and adopting information technology and gerontechnology.

The department said it agrees with the report’s key findings and recommendations, and will implement them progressively with a view to nurturing specialised health and care professional talent dedicated to the social welfare sector.