An around-the-clock emergency service is expected to be available at the Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre in the fourth quarter of this year.

Government officials, including Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee and president of the Chinese University Rocky Tuan Sung-chi, attended the opening ceremony of the medical centre.

The hospital has been running since early January, with services like the  general outpatients clinic, specialist outpatient centre, and eye centre coming into operation in phases. Its radiotherapy centre also commenced services in July, offering radiation therapy to patients diagnosed with cancer.

The hospital expected that the around-the-clock emergency services will be available in the fourth quarter of this year, as well as maternity services. The number of beds will also be increased to over 120.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lam praised CUHK Medical Centre. Positioned as a smart hospital, it makes use of innovative scientific equipment and provides excellent private healthcare service. She also encouraged the hospital to make more inspiring changes and set a role model for the Hospital Authority.

Lam added that the hospital will participate in the Hospital Authority’s Public-Private Partnership Programme, expanding healthcare service and offering more choices to patients in the city.