In touch: Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong meets with self-help groups.

A special charitable fund will be set up by the Yan Chai Hospital to provide further financial assistance to tetraplegics.

The fund, to be administered by the hospital with support from the Social Welfare Department and Hospital Authority, will have an initial capital of $5 million.

It will help in the purchase of medical and rehabilitation appliances, medical consumable items, essential modification of homes, and expenses such as hiring helpers.

Speaking after meeting 40 representatives of four self-help groups today, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong said the Government is fully aware of the concerns and special needs of tetraplegics.

"Since my last meeting with tetraplegics in June, the Social Welfare Department has revised the application criteria for the Care & Attention Allowance under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme to allow them to hire personal carers," he said.

"The department has also expanded its respite service and integrated home care services to help tetraplegics."

Fund applications can be made from September 20. Application forms and information will be available from September 1 at the hospital's website. For enquiries, call 2402 8276.