The man believed to have leapt to his death in Ap Lei Chau yesterday was in a stable condition when he met with social workers last month.

Assistant Director of Social Welfare Ophelia Chan said social workers had been following his case, however it can be difficult to predict the condition of the mentally ill.

She said the department has 164 medical social workers handling 13,500 cases, an average of about 80 cases each. Despite the high caseload, she said patient welfare will not be overlooked, as the department will strike a balance in assigning jobs.

To help recovered patients return to the community, the department has a halfway house and a period of residential care and medical treatment is provided to help reintegration. There are about 1,300 places and about 600 patients on the waiting list, Miss Chan said, adding the usual waiting time is about five months. To meet demand, 160 additional places will be provided soon.

The department has special outreach teams to handle urgent cases of mental illness around the clock. Those in need can call 2343 2255 or the Hospital Authority on 2466 7350.