Multiple emergency units in hospitals once saw waiting times exceeding seven hours on Monday, with doctors suggesting that patients with mild symptoms consult general outpatient clinics or private clinics. "Hospitals are now gathered with more patients from this morning," said Tuen Mun Hospital's Deputy Hospital Chief Executive Terry Lau Chu-leung, "the cold weather, coupled with the epidemic, may trigger or exacerbate diseases of patients, especially the seniors." Non-emergency patients may take at least seven hours to see doctors in the emergency departments at United Christian Hospital and Yan Chai Hospital, according to the 'A&E Waiting Time' on the Hospital Authority website. Lau suggests patients with mild symptoms consider going to private or general outpatient clinics for quicker treatment. More than 5,000 people asked for help in the past three days under the cold weather, according to the association.

Source: The Standard December 19, 2022 11:09 UTC