The automated phone appointment system at Kowloon West out-patient clinics has greatly improved the queuing problem, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

He told legislators today that the service, launched October 17, has cut the queues that used to start forming outside clinics in the early-morning hours.

"Most clinics no longer have long waiting queues," Dr Chow said. "Occasionally, some may have an average of about five or six patients waiting for medical consultation. For afternoon and evening sessions, clinics generally have no more queues outside."

The service has been used about 58,000 times per month on average. It is only available to those who need no regular follow-up consultations.