10th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today that Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) successfully received its first patient under the Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) this morning. The transfer, conducted via a point-to-point cross-boundary ambulance, facilitated the patient’s arrival in Hong Kong for treatment.
The patient, a 67-year-old male suffering from respiratory failure requiring non-invasive ventilator support, left University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH) at approximately 11am and arrived at TMH by 11.45am. He is currently stable and receiving care at TMH.
“This successful transfer signifies a major advancement in healthcare collaboration within the GBA,” stated Dr Michael Wong, HA’s Director of Quality and Safety. “The patient was accompanied by healthcare staff throughout the journey, eliminating the need for handovers at boundary control points, thus reducing potential risks during the transfer.”
The patient was admitted to HKU-SZH on January 7, and following treatment, his condition improved. Upon assessment and a request from his family, the cross-boundary transfer mechanism was activated, allowing for his return to Hong Kong for further care. Professor Anne Lee, Deputy Hospital Chief Executive of HKU-SZH, noted that the seamless coordination between units ensured the patient remained in the ambulance during the border crossing.
Dr Wong Yiu-chung, Hospital Chief Executive of TMH, emphasised the efficiency of the process, stating that the TMH team communicated promptly with HKU-SZH to prepare for the patient’s admission. This advance preparation enabled immediate treatment upon arrival.
The HA expressed gratitude to multiple agencies for their coordination, including the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Guangdong Province, the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department, and various health and security departments in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Their cooperation was instrumental in facilitating this successful transfer.
The Pilot Scheme, launched on 30th November, aims to provide efficient land-based transfers for non-emergency patients between designated public hospitals in the GBA. This initiative, highlighted in the Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address, reflects ongoing efforts to improve cross-boundary healthcare services, supported by various national ministries and government departments.
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