Hong Kong Hospitals Extend Visiting Hours to 9 Hours from July 31

Visiting hours in Hong Kong's public hospitals will nearly double from 4 hours to 9 hours by the end of July.
By Newsroom | Healthcare, Hong Kong |

Hong Kong's public hospital system is set to expand daily visiting hours from a current four hours to nine hours, a move slated to take full effect by July 31. This shift aims to provide more "leeway and flexibility" for families in patient care and emotional support.

The Kowloon Central cluster, encompassing major institutions like Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Kwong Wah Hospital, will pilot the extended hours starting May 2.** Some rehabilitation and palliative wards, which currently permit five to six hours of visitation, will align with the new nine-hour standard.

While these changes are framed as a response to patient and family needs, the precise impact on ward operations and staffing remains to be detailed. Previously, visiting time was often restricted to two-hour slots at noon and in the evening, a schedule some visitors found too limiting.

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Adjustments Across the System

The forthcoming adjustments will touch twenty-six public hospitals. These changes are specifically targeting non-acute wards and units. The announcement from the Hospital Authority suggests a move towards more open visiting, a departure from stricter protocols that may have been in place.

One element of the new arrangements involves a one-hour visit for patients deemed at lower risk of infection. This classification includes individuals under 60, those over 60 who are vaccinated against COVID-19, or those with a documented infection history. Up to two registered visitors may be permitted simultaneously, contingent on ward conditions.

Broader Healthcare Context

This expansion of visiting hours occurs against a backdrop of a healthcare system that has, at times, shown signs of strain. For instance, in December 2022, public hospitals experienced significant pressure from a winter surge, leading to prolonged wait times, some exceeding eight hours, at Accident and Emergency departments. The exact correlation between extended visitation and such pressures is not directly addressed in the provided materials.

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Private hospitals, such as Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, and Hong Kong Baptist Hospital, maintain their own visitation policies. These often involve set hours, visitor limits, and health declarations or testing requirements, particularly in the wake of recent public health concerns. Information on finding hospital services and their operating hours is available through the GovHK portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will Hong Kong public hospitals extend their visiting hours?
Hong Kong public hospitals will extend daily visiting hours to nine hours by July 31. The Kowloon Central cluster will start piloting these changes from May 2.
Q: Why are Hong Kong hospitals changing their visiting hours?
The changes aim to give families more flexibility and support for patients. This is a move towards more open visiting in non-acute wards and units.
Q: How long will visitors be allowed to stay?
Visitors will be allowed up to nine hours of visiting time per day. Patients at lower risk of infection can have one-hour visits with up to two registered visitors.
Q: Which hospitals in Hong Kong are affected by these visiting hour changes?
Twenty-six public hospitals across Hong Kong will implement the extended visiting hours. Some rehabilitation and palliative wards will also align with the new nine-hour standard.
Q: What was the previous visiting time in Hong Kong hospitals?
Previously, visiting time was often limited to two-hour slots, usually in the afternoon and evening. This schedule was found to be too restrictive by many visitors.